As the morning grew on it gradually became lighter outside. The sun began to peek over the tiny hills bordering the eastern end of Dauswell. Instead of a starry black sky, there was a misty gray above me now, with subtle hints of pink. I smiled to myself as I picked up a three gallon bucket I had just found in Remus's shed. It was lucky my friend didn't get up at the crack of dawn. My whole plan would have been spoiled.
I strategically opened his front door without making a sound, then crept into the kitchen, the shaggy, chestnut-colored carpet muffling the sound of my feet.
It was just as I had last seen it, about fifteen years ago. I guess my friend hadn't changed much. The tiled counter was virtually spotless, the shelves and cabinets were neat and ordered, and the sink sparkled. Spead open on the small wooden kitchen table was yesterday's Daily Prophet, along with a vase containging a single flower.
I noiselessly glided over to the sink and filled up the bucket with water. I then emptied half of it after I realized that with no handle, it would be impossible to carry three gallons of water quietly, and succeed in opening doors. I heard a small groan from across the hall and stood completely still, but Remus didn't wake up.
The hallway was almost completely dark, but I knew my way. When I reached his door, I couldn't help but laugh at what I was about to do. Then I opened it.
On the right side of the room there were two twin beds. One was on the floor, where Remus slept, and the other was above him. My friends and I had had a lot of fun enchanting the top bunk to fit up to six people comfortably. But unless I had the sudden urge to sleep on a mattress three times the size of "king", a twin would do fine.
On the left side of the room there was a tall dresser and a roll-top desk, which was scattered with papers. I'd ask about them at a future time, but at the moment, there were more "pressing" matters to attend to.
I ducked under the upper bunk, leaned over Remus's sleeping form, considered him ruefully, and then yelled, "SURPRISE!" as I dumped the entire bucket of water into my friend's innocent face.