Disclaimer: I own nothing it all belongs to JK Rowling and I'm just a fan putting a spin on her work.
Chapter Twenty Nine: Slytherins Pranked, SPEW, Hogsmeade & Sinister Plots
The month of September had passed by enjoyably for the most part.
As October began Harry, Draco, Ron, Neville and Hermione were plotting a prank centred around frog spawn soap and stink bombs.
There was one issue interfering with said prank however. Hermione having been accidentally been told by Ron of the status of most House Elves had begun talking of setting up an organisation dedicated to fighting for House Elf rights.
It made Harry grimace.
He'd tried to tell her that most House Elves would merely see it as unwanted interference in their lives but she wouldn't listen. She could be very stubborn like that.
That Saturday, the first one of October, found most of the New Marauders putting together the last parts of the prank plan.
"The Polyjuice has been brewed" Draco told the others. He took out two vials of Polyjuice potion which he showed them "I decided to go with Crabbe and Goyle" Draco grinned mischievously "it was easy to get a hair from both of them" he said.
They all laughed "how is it going with getting the password?" Ron asked.
Neville smirked "I got Crabbe on his own and appealed to his stomach by offering him a massive bag of sweets" he told them all "he gave away the password no problem".
Ron got out parchment "the password for this term is Salazar" he informed his friend.
Ron wrote it down and set it aside "in that case all we need to do is get the Sleeping Draught into the two fat oafs".
"Should be easy enough" Harry said chuckling "they're not exactly known for their intelligence after all".
"I reckon we should carry the prank out next weekend what say you all?" Draco said.
Harry, Neville, Ron, Ginny and Luna all agreed happily to this.
They had just turned to the new subject which was Durmstrang Beauxbatons, when the door to the Room of Requirement appeared and in stepped Hermione closing the door behind her.
Harry and the others turned to her.
She was smiling which meant she was either happy about something or had something cunning going on.
All of the boys grimaced while Ginny murmured "we should probably be worried...right?".
Harry nodded as he stared at Hermione.
Their friend was putting down her school bag.
She rummaged inside it for a moment before pulling something out.
She walked towards them with the same smile plastered on her face.
"I hoped she'd given up on this!" Ron groaned.
Harry grinned.
He knew that Ron and Hermione's relationship was in it's very early stages and given how hot tempered both could get they had to be careful not to annoy the other.
"I'd say not supporting her in this would annoy her" Harry joked nudging his friend in the ribs.
Ron shoved back and laughed a bit.
"Hi guys how did the prank planning go? well never mind about all that, I've got something to show you!" she babbled excitedly.
She held up a white badge with the letters SPEW in black on it's front "SPEW?" Neville exclaimed before he could stop himself.
Hermione huffed "honestly Neville!" she pointed to each letter "it's not SPEW it's Society for the Protection of Elfish Welfare!".
"But it still says SPEW" Draco pointed out. Hermione glared at him "look!" she snapped "it's all I could do at short notice!".
She handed a badge to Ron who looked uneasy "now" she said "who's going to contribute to the cause?".
Harry could see that his friend was embarrassed by the whole thing but Ron still made sure to buy a badge to show his support.
She also managed to convince Luna and Neville to buy one but Harry, Ginny and Draco all said "no".
"Why not?" Hermione demanded of them.
Both Ginny and Draco looked to Harry who asked silently "do I really have to do this?".
Draco nodded firmly "yes you do" he said aloud.
"Do what?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
Harry sighed, stood up and went over to his friend.
He put a hand on her shoulder "look Hermione, you remember what we told you about House Elves needing a master..." he began.
Hermione cut in "yes but surely they still deserve paying don't they?".
Harry nodded "yes they do but most Elves don't want to be paid and wouldn't take your money if you tried not unless they were ordered".
Hermione put her hands on her hips in a way that showed she was going to be challenging "your House Elves do!" she said.
Harry pinched the bridge of his nose and glared at Draco and Ginny "of course ours do. We don't believe in slavery of Elves. They're like family to us which is why we give them money and time off" he responded earnestly "it's the same here at Hogwarts. The Elves are given a small salary".
"But..." Hermione began to argue. Harry threw up a hand to silence her "they don't want a larger salary. I asked them when I was younger and they said they had a good Master in Dumbledore, roof over their heads and plenty of work. They're happy Hermione".
"But...".
"Now I'm not saying other Elves don't need your help because some of them do very much and I'd be willing to help on two conditions" he told her.
Hermione nodded warily as if in thought "alright name them" she said.
"Well firstly we concentrate only House Elves who are being maltreated which includes ones owned by the Nott's for example".
"And the second?" she asked.
Harry took a look at one of the badges and grimaced "we get rid of this awful bloody name".
"There's nothing wrong with SPEW!" Hermione burst out indignantly.
"Yes there is Hermione it looks like spew which as you know is another word for vomit" he explained simply.
She looked at the badges and asked the others "is that true?" she asked them.
Every single one of them nodded in agreement with Harry and Draco added "why not change the name to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to House Elves?" he suggested.
Hermione tossed some hair to the side and seemed to be pondering the suggestion. After a matter of moments she said brightly "SPCHE, I like it and if it stops people thinking of vomiting then that's an added bonus. Yes, SPCHE it is".
She turned to the others "everyone like the name?" they replied in the affirmative.
Hermione beamed and sat down "so how's the prank going?" she asked.
"We've just got to decide which day this weekend we do it on and we're all set" Harry told her.
She seemed happy by this news "have you decided who will keep watch over Crabbe and Goyle and who will go into the Slytherin dungeons?".
"Not yet" Neville said "we thought it best to wait until you arrived" he said.
Hermione beamed at this, clearly happy to have not been left out despite her preoccupations.
"Now I've placed a cross on five sheets of paper. Two people will infiltrate the common room as Crabbe and Goyle while three of us will keep close watch of the broom cupboard where we store the two goons".
Everyone seemed satisfied by this explanation and so Harry instructed "Ron pass round the bowl. Give yourself the first bit of paper".
Ron nodded and did so. He looked surprised when he unfolded his piece of paper "it's blank" he declared.
The bowl went to Draco who sat next to him. Draco unfolded the paper and said "blank".
It went to Ginny who shook her head "blank", then it went to Luna who said the same thing.
It reached Neville who took out a piece, unfolded it and said "there's a cross! I'm going in!" Harry grinned at his excitement.
The bowl went to Hermione who said "nothing".
And finally, it reached Harry who drew out inevitably the final piece of paper upon which was a cross.
"Right now we know that me and Nev" he grinned at Neville who grinned back "will do the most dangerous part. Lets see who will guard the cupboard".
He disposed of the paper with a wave of his wand, took out five more pieces and put crosses on three of them.
He placed them in the bowl, jumbled them about and passed the bowl round.
Once again Ron took the first piece. This time he grinned "there's an x" he said as he held up the paper.
The bowl went to Draco who declared "I've got an x" as Ron had, he held it up to show them.
That meant there was only one left.
Either Luna or Ginny would be involved.
Ginny took one next and saved Luna the trouble "yes!" she exclaimed and held up the paper to reveal a black x written on it.
Luna looked disappointed and Harry relented "you can keep watch by the broom cupboard for us Luna" he told her seriously "if you see any Professors approaching you need to signal Ron, Draco and Ginny and ensure they can hide. They won't mind you being near the cupboard since you are the most innocent looking one out of us all" he said.
Luna smiled, threw a salute and said "got it boss".
Harry and the others chuckled.
Harry and Ginny decided to head off on their own and as they walked down through the grounds towards the Black Lake she said "that was really very sweet of you you know".
Harry looked at her in bemusement "what?" he asked.
Ginny smacked him on the shoulder "to include Luna of course!".
They sat down, their backs against the ancient oak tree and cuddled up to each other "she's a New Marauder just like the rest of us" he said grinning and then added seriously "she deserves to be included".
Ginny cuddled to him even closer and they sat there for a long while just relaxing and enjoying each others company and the sound of the birds twittering overhead.
The second Saturday of October found the New Marauders implementing their prank.
The initial stage was about to begin and would see Crabbe and Goyle being tricked with food laced with Dreamless Sleep potion, the same trick used in Second Year only this time instead of for information it was being used for fun.
Right now Draco, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were watching and waiting near the same broom cupboard in the entrance hall they'd used last time.
It was so chosen thanks to it's close proximity to the Great Hall and the need for the two rather daft Slytherins to pass it on their way to the Dungeons.
"I hope they stop stuffing their faces and hurry up" Ron complained.
Draco grinned.
Ron never had been one for waiting much despite his strategic genius.
"Someone's coming out!" Ginny hissed to them.
They fell silent and watched from their hiding place.
It turned out to be Fred and George Ron's older Brothers.
They seemed to be deep in conversation as they passed the hiding spot under the stairs "you know what you're suggesting is illegal right?" Fred said.
Draco, Ron, Ginny and Hermione pricked their ears up in curiosity at this.
Draco couldn't imagine them blackmailing anyone "he brought this on himself" George reasoned "we made a bet with Bagman, he lost, he should cough up".
The Twins stopped on the second stair "but George he has a lot of friends in the Ministry. If he talked to them it could get very hairy for us".
"I know but we're in the right" George replied.
Judging by their footsteps The Twins had resumed their walk up the staircase.
"I can't believe it" Ron muttered shaking his head "Mum will kill them if she finds out".
Ginny grimaced adding "and now we know too. If we keep silent she'll know and interrogate us".
Ron sighed "and if we tell Fred and George will probably pull some horrible prank on us".
Ginny grinned "on you maybe. I'm off limits remember?".
Ron scowled "yeah I know".
Ginny laughed "don't worry I'll stop them if they do anything" she assured her older Brother.
Ron flashed her a grateful smile "thanks Sis" he replied.
She smiled too "hey we youngest Siblings need to stick together".
"What was that?" Ron said.
"Footsteps" Draco whispered.
The four of them grinned widely as they saw two rather large students, one with short curly hair and the other with short straight hair exiting the Great Hall. It was Crabbe and Goyle.
They watched on in amusement as the two students, who were chatting about something, paused in front of the two pasties that had been left on the floor.
In truth Draco had been very sceptical of the idea that even Crabbe and Goyle would be gross enough to eat something that been on the floor.
His scepticism proved to be groundless though as the two Slytherins smiled "I love pasties!" Crabbe said joyfully.
The two boys knelt down, picked them up and began stuffing them into their mouths as if trying to swallow them whole.
They stood there for a few moments chewing the food.
They then began to move on only to fall down with a thump one after the other as the Sleeping Draught in the pasties took effect.
The four New Marauders under the stairs, sprang out quickly and dragged the two Slytherins into the broom cupboard.
They then headed off to take up their positions as look outs for Harry and Neville who by this time would be nearing the Dungeons.
"It is too easy with those two" Ron laughed.
Hermione and the others laughed too "how did they get a place here being that stupid?" Hermione asked.
This caused fresh laughter.
Harry and Neville were indeed nearing the Dungeon common room and both were feeling very nervous about it.
They enjoyed pulling pranks and they were sure the results of this one would be hilarious but even so they knew if they were caught disguised as Crabbe and Goyle and trying to enter the Slytherin common room that the consequences would be very severe.
At the very least the two of them would be put in detention couple with a loss of points. They could even end up being expelled.
Harry brushed these fears away as they reached the hidden entrance to the common room.
Just then, disaster struck. A voice called out "where have you two been?".
It was Theodore Nott.
The arrogant prat approached them casting an eye over them "we were eating" Harry in his guise as Goyle, said.
Nott rolled his eyes "figures" and then added "do you two never stop eating?".
Nott chuckled "well never mind all that. Lets go into the common room. I wanted a chat with you two".
Harry froze.
This was not something they'd been counted on.
The Polyjuice only lasted for a certain amount of time.
If they went over it they would start to change back and in the middle of the Slytherin common room was not, shall we say, the best place for this to happen.
Neville came to their rescue "we're feeling a bit queasy" he mumbled "too many desserts".
Nott smirked at them "I always said you would one day eating so much".
He turned to the hidden door to the common room and said "Salazar".
The hidden doorway appeared. Nott stepped forward and the door swung open to admit the three of them. Nott strode in confidently while the disguised Harry and Neville entered side by side casting wary looks at one another.
They reluctantly followed Nott over to a grouping of comfortable leather chairs and sofas set in a corner of the room and Nott motioned for them to sit.
In order to avoid suspicion and gathering that Crabbe and Goyle did whatever Nott told them, they sat down though Harry couldn't help but let slip a grimace which caused Neville to elbow him.
"What's up with you?" Nott remarked casually as if not really interested.
"Stomach ache" Harry replied.
Nott smirked and then said "I called you both over because I have a plan for getting back at that Mudblood bitch Granger" Harry made to stand up only for the more level headed Neville to push him back down and silence him with a look that plainly said "don't be an idiot".
Harry calmed down. Thankfully Nott was so self absorbed he'd seen nothing.
"And not just her, Harry perfect Potter those other Blood Traitors Weasley, Longbottom and Black" he grinned "I've spoken to Pansy and Milicent and they're both in".
His face fell "Zabini refused to help as did Greengrass. We'll have to watch them" he said darkly.
His face lit up again "so, the plan. We're going to corner Potter, Granger, Weasley, Black and Longbottom. incapacitate them and drag them off to a secluded spot for a bit of...fun!" he told them gleefully.
Harry felt sick and was sure it showed on his face.
He could see Neville was just restraining himself from whipping out his wand and cursing the snob.
"Right. Well, that's it" Nott waved them away "off you go" he said Imperiously.
Harry and Neville, grateful to get away, headed for the Fourth Year boys dorm where they would carry out their prank.
After hearing all about the horrific plans Nott and his cronies had for the New Marauders Harry wanted nothing more than to tear back to the Entrance Hall, find the others and make sure they were on guard.
They had though, put much time and effort into this prank and it suddenly seemed to Harry that it had taken on an extra meaning.
It would be a sort of preemptive strike against those Slytherins that wanted to do them harm.
The only thing Harry was grateful for was that Ginny, Luna and Molly hadn't been mentioned.
He felt that he could handle things if it was just the five of them in danger.
They managed to carry out the prank itself with surprising efficiency as Harry replaced all of the soap that Nott and co used with Frog Spawn soap and Neville placed stink bombs in their clothes.
Neville had one nasty moment when a boy he knew to be Blaise Zabini, entered the dorm room looking for something.
The boy cast a disdainful eye over Neville/Crabbe and then left after taking a pack of playing cards with him.
Neville breathed a sigh of relief, placed the stink bombs, met up with Harry and the two of them hurried at high speed from the dorm room, through the common room and out of the Slytherin Dungeons.
When they reached the Second Floor girls bathroom they found to their relief the potion beginning to wear off.
In a few minutes they were back to normal and changed back into their usual Gryffindor robes.
Not only did Harry feel exaltation at pulling off the prank he also felt relief at not looking like Goyle any more and that they would be able to warn the others of Nott's sinister plans.
They were joined in said bathroom by Hermione, Draco, Ron, Ginny and Luna.
"How'd it go?" Ron asked excitably.
Harry and Neville grinned "it was a bit hairy for a moment" Harry said.
"Yeah. Nott cornered us as Crabbe and Goyle but he didn't cotton on" Neville assured the others as they looked momentarily worried.
"We managed to get the stuff in place" Harry told them all "I think the Slytherin Fourth Years will be having a few problems tomorrow" he finished innocently.
"They will, shall we say, be smelling a lot" Neville smirked.
The two high fived each other.
"I can't wait to see the results of it tomorrow!" Draco said enthusiastically.
Hermione, Ginny and Luna as well as Draco high fived Harry and Neville and Ginny kissed Harry briefly on the lips.
After a few more moments of celebration Harry cleared his throat "there's something else we need to tell you all" he informed the other New Marauders.
He glanced at Neville who sighed "we should take them to the Room of Requirement, right?".
Harry nodded seriously "it's too chancy to say it where someone might overhear".
Despite the obvious bafflement of the other five New Marauders, they all followed Harry and Neville up the various stairways and along several corridors before finding themselves in front of the amusing tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.
They moved across to the wall near it and passed by three times as Harry thought very hard about the room they needed.
A solid wood door with a wrought iron handle appeared.
Harry pushed the door open, ushered them all inside, cast a look round to make absolutely sure they were alone and then closed the door behind them knowing that the entrance would hide itself until they were done.
He had chosen for such a serious revelation a room with much comfortable furniture and to that end, the room contained several fluffy armchairs and sofas.
The New Marauders took their positions up with Harry sitting next to Neville and Ginny squeezing in on Harry's left side while Ron and Draco took armchairs facing Harry, Neville and Ginny and Hermione took a sofa all to herself.
The other five New Marauders all looked confused as to why they had been dragged up there, given the prank had apparently gone so well.
"What's the problem, Harry, Neville?" Hermione asked in her usual perceptive way.
Harry and Neville glanced at each other "me or you?" Harry asked.
Neville demurred and Harry taking a deep breath began to speak "well as we were saying in the bathroom the prank went well but before that we got waylaid by Nott".
Harry looked over at Neville who looked angry "obviously he thought we were Crabbe and Goyle so he told us that he and some cronies were planning something very nasty for us" he swallowed as his mouth felt very dry.
He asked the room for a glass of water and one appeared on a side table.
Shakily, Luna asked "what sort of nasty thing?".
Harry looked at her grimly but it was Neville who answered "they plan to trap us all, knock us out and then torture us".
"WHAT!" Ron shouted in shock and fury.
Harry and Neville sighed "they want revenge on us for all of the times we've bested them" Harry told the others.
Looking to his left he noticed Ginny had gone pale and was gripping his arm tightly as she stared at him in concern "then we need to take the fight to them" Draco said fiercely.
"I have a better idea than that" Hermione said calmly.
Harry had always admired her ability to analyse most situations so well "what do you suggest?" he asked.
Hermione smiled "simple. We set a trap for them. Bait if you will. They go after us and we ensure a Professor or several Professors see and they end up in detention for months, if not outright expelled" she grinned.
"You are a genius Hermione!" Ron exclaimed happily.
Hermione blushed. A blush which deepened as the others all complimented her.
"We don't have much time to discuss this now" Harry told them all as he checked his watch "lets get some dinner and we'll talk about it tomorrow yeah?".
Everyone agreed that this was a sound idea and so the New Marauders headed off from the Room of Requirement.
Unlike when they went in though, they were now keeping a very close eye out for danger.
They had no idea when the Slytherins would spring their trap.
They could be lying in wait for the New Marauders at that very moment.
The following morning which was a Sunday, found all of the New Marauders in the Great Hall eating breakfast.
They were laughing and joking as usual while keeping an eye out for the Slytherins.
They had already decided to head up to the Room of Requirement and discuss everything in secrecy to make a plan of attack.
It had already been agreed by everyone that they needed to launch a strike on the Slytherins before they could carry out their own plan.
As Harry munched slowly on some cornflakes he heard the sound of people shrieking and yelling and tadpols moving about.
He knew the first part must have already worked and thus the second would soon come into effect.
Indeed, as the hysterical Slytherins hopped about madly trying to get the tadpols away from them they must have accidentally set off the stink bombs hidden in their clothes as a horrendous smell, wafting over from their table engulfed the Great Hall, some students ran away holding their noses, others made fun of the Slytherins, laughing and taunting.
The Slytherin Fourth Year boys for their part ran from the Great Hall shouting.
Nott was declaring it loudly to be an outrage while Crabbe and Goyle were slapping each other trying to remove the tadpols.
Harry, Draco and the others all laughed long and loud until there were tears running down their cheeks and their faces and ribs ached.
As they left the Great Hall and made for the Seventh Floor Harry felt that he hadn't had such a laugh in months.
But now it was on to more serious matters.
As they plopped down in their seats in the Room of Requirement they began to make a plan.
"The biggest thing we have on our side is the element of surprise" Ron summed up as ever the tactical and strategic genius "I believe that Nott and Co hate us so much that they would be willing to risk everything to capture us".
"I see where you're going Ron" said Draco taking up the conversation "one of us acts as a decoy to get the Slytherins into trouble and ensure that they find it too unwise to act this way again".
Ron nodded "exactly".
Harry knew immediately that it had to be one of the older one's in their group, not that he didn't trust Ginny and Luna with it but if it went wrong he and the other Fourth Years were more able to defend themselves.
Harry opened his mouth and was about to say "it should be me" when a voice cut in "no Harry don't even think it".
It was Draco.
He glared at his Brother who just looked at him placidly "it's a stupid idea and you know it" Draco said simply.
"Draco's right Harry you're far too obvious" Hermione added "it has to be someone Nott's not squared up to before. Someone he'll underestimate".
"I'll do it" Neville said resolutely.
"Nev you don't have anything to prove" Harry told his friend.
Neville said with steel in his voice "I know but I'm the obvious choice. I can defend myself and yet Nott has never seen me fight. He'll get careless. If we get him to back off then the others will too" he told Harry.
Harry looked at the others and saw nods of agreement.
Harry shrugged "okay so be it. But we'll be watching just in case" he said seriously.
Neville grinned "I wouldn't expect anything less from you guys".
The following Saturday was a Hogsmeade weekend.
Harry usually wouldn't be too bothered about visiting it as he'd been there several times before in his childhood, but this time was different.
Today would be the first time he'd be visiting Hogsmeade with Ginny as his girlfriend.
They'd been dating now since the end of Harry's Second Year and he was eager to show everyone how much he cared for her and that this wasn't just some passing attraction.
He remembered when he'd told his Dad of his true feelings about her.
He'd expected his Dad would laugh when he said this given how young Harry was but to his surprise his Dad had just ruffled his hair and remarked "what is it with us Potters and redheads?".
Harry was grinning at the memory when a voice cut through to him "earth to Harry. Hello?. Big Brother?".
He felt something hard smack him on the arm and came out of his reverie "ow!" he exclaimed glaring at the source of the attack.
It was his Sister Molly "Ginny is ready you prat!" she said in exasperation.
Harry grinned sheepishly "oh, thanks Sis" he ruffled her hair and she shouted "hey don't do that!" smoothing it down.
"So what are you going to do with your day?" Harry asked her. He saw her blush and frowned "you aren't seeing some boy are you?" he demanded protectively.
Her blush deepened "so what if I am?" she replied "you began dating Ginny when you were only twelve".
"That was quite different!" he exclaimed.
"How?" she asked.
"I..well...it...it just was!" he replied feeling flustered "who is it anyway?".
His Sister sniffed in annoyance "if you must know...it's Neville" she said snappily.
Harry gaped at her, getting the feeling that he looked very much like a goldfish "Neville!" he shouted in shock "not...not...Neville as in my mate Neville?".
His Sister laughed "how many other Neville's do you know at Hogwarts and much less in Gryffindor?" she replied mirthfully.
"Where is he?" Harry demanded.
"Harry you leave him alone!" she snapped.
"Why?".
"Because I asked him!" she said hotly "alright?. I asked him on a date. He refused at first because of you!" she poked a finger at Harry's chest "but I told him it was none of your business".
Harry opened his mouth to reply but Molly got there first "and it isn't, so keep out of it unless I ask!" she told him before storming off.
He caught sight of Neville waiting at the portrait hole.
His friend cast him a look that plainly said "I'm sorry" before Molly dragged him through the portrait hole and to god knows where "Mum and Dad will kill me!" he moaned in despair.
"Why so upset love?" a voice asked.
He turned around and saw Ginny looking beautiful as ever in a red sweater and blue jeans.
She smiled at him. He sighed "it's my Sister" he told her.
"Don't tell me you're hung on her going on a date with Neville" she said in amusement.
"Mum and Dad told me to protect her. If things don't work out and she gets upset I'll get the blame!" he said in frustration.
Ginny took his hand "no they won't because Molly will explain what happened. Don't get involved Harry. Don't be so overprotective".
Harry sighed again "alright I'll stay out of it" he promised, before adding "for now anyway".
Harry and Ginny handed their permission slips to the ever sour Argus Filch and walked hand in hand through the gates and down the lane towards Hogsmeade.
When they were halfway there Harry asked "where do you want to go first love?".
Ginny stopped to consider it "I'd love to go to Dervish and Banges and get some pranking supplies" she said with a grin.
Harry laughed and kissed her on the lips "I knew there was reason I was with you my love" he said as they resumed walking.
Up ahead Harry could see Draco and Luna walking and chatting happily and he smiled "it's great those two are together" he remarked.
Ginny agreed "their perfect for each other".
Behind them Harry could hear arguing.
It was Ron and Hermione. "Do those two ever stop?" Ginny exclaimed in half amusement and half annoyance.
Harry shrugged "not in all the time I've known them" he smirked "I sometimes think they enjoy it" he told her.
Ginny laughed loudly and Harry joined her.
As they entered the joke shop Harry was greeted like an old and valued customer (which of course he was) by the owner Mr Dervish.
He was an elderly gentlemen with short grey hair and a thick grey moustache "my dear Mr Potter so good to see you back again!" he exclaimed wringing Harry's hand.
"Hello Mr Dervish" Harry replied politely. He introduced Ginny "this my girlfriend Ginny Weasley" he told the old man.
The man bowed and shook her hand "delighted to meet you Miss Weasley" he said beaming.
"We'd like to buy some pranking supplies" Harry told the man whose face lit up "ah but of course!" he said happily "the Son of James Potter is always warmly welcome here. Feel free to browse and all your purchases shall be half price" he told Harry who protested this.
The old man though was adamant "Mr Potter, your Father and his three best friends virtually kept us in business during their time at Hogwarts. I am only too happy to return the favour".
They spent a wonderful few hours going around Dervish and Banges where they purchased various prank products including dung bombs, stink bombs, hand buzzers and itching powder.
After leaving the joke shop they spent the rest of the morning going round the various other shops including a stop at the local branch of Eeylops Owl Emporium giving Harry the opportunity to buy some owl treats for Hedwig and Ginny also buying some for her.
They had just left the Hogsmeade branch of Flourish and Blotts laden with shopping bags when Harry glanced at his watch.
To his amazement it was already twelve thirty "blimey it's already midday!" he exclaimed "where's the morning gone?".
"Ginny kissed him on the cheek "passed by enjoyably with the bloke I love" she declared.
He kissed her on the lips.
His stomach rumbled loudly causing Ginny to chuckle "hungry are you?" she teased.
"Ravenous" he replied joining in the laughter "why don't we get some lunch and find a spot to eat it?".
Ginny considered for a moment and then nodded "I like the sound of that. Why don't we buy some sandwiches and eat them against that tree overlooking the shrieking shack?" she suggested.
Harry nodded his agreement to this "perfect plan" he said and the two headed off to the bakery, their arms weighed down with bags.
In the bakers they purchased two ham and cheese toasted sandwiches and some drinks and then headed off for the tree chatting happily.
That lunch was the most enjoyable that Harry had ever had as he cuddled up to Ginny and they talked of anything and everything from Hogwarts to Quidditch and all manner of things in between.
Harry yawned as Ginny snuggled contentedly in his arms "you know Gin Gin, this is the happiest I think I've ever been" he said happily.
It seemed Ginny couldn't resist teasing him as she asked "does that include playing Quidditch?".
He guffawed loudly and then added with a smile and serious words "yes it does".
She kissed him on the lips, a kiss that lasted a long time.
When she broke the kiss she said "I love you with all my heart Harry James Potter".
Harry murmured blissfully "and I love you as much and more Ginevra Molly Weasley".
As they sat there basking in each others warmth and love Harry felt happy that for one day at least all the worries and cares of the world had been left behind.
Authors Note: Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will begin from late October and will include the preemptive strike on the Slytherins, the arrival at Hogwarts of the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang and a shock Triwizard Champion all while Harry's suspicions about Moody grow.