Chapter Nineteen: The Ultimate Prank Revealed
Leo sighed deeply, hoisting her bulging knapsack unto her shoulder and proceeded to leave the stifling hot greenhouse. After having to answer three hundred and twenty seven questions about magical foliage and uproot and replant a very squirmy Albanian Creeping Vine, she was very happy to be free.
"Final exams suck," she groaned to George as she saw him crossing the entrance hall. He smiled at her as he put his arm around her waist, "Cheer up, love, only three more hours of this, and then, well, you know," he winked cheekily. They headed for the Great Hall for lunch.
"Then you give me a Chippendale-esque dance to ease my mind from these exams?" Leo opened her eyes wide, giving George a hopeful look while surpressing laughter as George's face did an admirable impression of a tomato.
"About that," George said shakily, raising a finger as if addressing an important point. Leo just laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry, we can get back to that after the End of Term Feast. Speaking of which, did Fred finish the Poodle Pudding yet?"
"Just last night, actually. Had to test it on himself. Quite the amusing results, I must say," George grinned at the memory. "I hope you don't mind that the poodle is of Standard size, black, and has frilly bows all over the place?"
"Perfect. And I hope you don't mind that the concoction that I whipped up, formal name You Are What You Eat, now applies to the fried chicken, roast pork, turkey legs, hamburgers, and peppermint humbugs."
"Humbugs?" George questioned loudly, causing some people sitting down from them at the table to turn at stare curiously. George just made a funny face and waved at the people before turning to Leo once more. "What's a humbug? I mean I get what it is, food wise, but in physical form?"
Leo put on a thoughtful look, "I was thinking of either turning them into Scrooges, you know 'Bah, Humbug'?" George stared at her blankly. "Ok, you haven't read Dickens then. Figures, it's a Muggle book anyway. Let's just say, an ugly old man who looks kinda like Filch, come to think of it. The other thing was scarabs. But since my mind is ever so brilliant," she smiled cockily as her boyfriend just shook his head, "I decided to combine both ideas: beetles with crazy white hair and long beards."
"You scare me sometimes, Leonor," George beamed at her with admiration.
"Nah, you love me," she smiled back and leaned in and kissed him full on the lips. Just then one third of their trio showed up.
"Get a room, you two," Fred poked George in the ribs as he sat down beside him and grabbed himself a sandwich from the platter in front of him. "So, are we almost all set? We can't leave anything to the last minute."
"I think so Fred. All my pranks are complete and working," Leo confirmed.
"Ditto here."
"Good. I've got the execution part of The Ultimate Prank down to the last crisp. And, as you asked Leo, I've figured out what to do to our favorite Potions Master." Fred gave a wicked grin as he set down a vile of clear liquid in front of Leo. She picked it up and gazed at it from all angles through the glass, "What does it do?"
"I'll give you a hint: What animal does Snape remind you of the most?"
She thought for a second, "You're joking."
"Nope. Three drops of this into Ol' Slimy Head's pumpkin juice and presto! Instant lifelong memory."
"This is so freaking awesome! I could kiss you, Fred!"
"Save that for George, please," he laughed, but appreciated the praise all the same. "I also have figured out how to get this to all the food. All we have to do is."
But the bell cut him off. Fred sighed and got up, "Damn, I've got Transfiguration N.E.W.T.s now. Bite the bullet and all that. See you two later."
"But wait! What do we need to do?" George yelled up the aisle at his twin.
"Don't worry about it! We've got two weeks to do this!" Fred yelled back and disappeared into the crowd of moving students.
"Well, I got to get to Vector's. This Arithimancy O.W.L. test is going to kick me in the ass," Leo lightly kissed George, stood up, and grabbed her things from below the table. "I'll see you after class?"
"Of course, love. I need to get to Hagrid's, so I'll walk you to the staircase, all right?"
"If you want to," Leo smiled as George grabbed at her hand playfully before just grasping it as they walked out of the Great Hall together.
*****
"Sack of pranks?"
"Check."
"Marauder's Map from Harry?"
"Check."
"Butterbeer?"
"Check."
"Prayer?"
"Oh, come off it Fred, this is going to work! Let's not bring God into this," George reassured his brother.
"Besides, I don't think praying to God to help us commit a sin really works that well."
"Leo, did I ever tell you you're a smart ass?"
"Only twice a day, Fredders," she grinned at him impishly.
"All right, we have everything. The Feast starts in approximately one hour. The elves should have finished the food by now. We need to do what we've got to do, get out, and situate ourselves at our respected seats at the Gryffindor table before anyone notices we're gone. Synchronize your watches," Fred bowed his head sheepishly as the other two stared at him like he was crazy. "Nah, I just always wanted to say that."
"You're bleedin' mad Gred," George shook his head. "Still, you did come up with this plan and I hafta say once more that this is a work of pure genius."
"Or insanity. You know there is a fine line," Leo pointed out.
"You helped you know," Fred defended himself.
"Only proving that this is crazier than Flitwick when he got into all that sugar," she grinned at him.
"True, very true. I still couldn't have done this without you two."
"Oh sniff sniff, tears abound," George rolled his eyes. "Now let's cut the chitchat and get the show on the road!"
"Yes captain!"
*****
"So you tickle the pear. Wouldn't have guessed it myself," Leo commented outside the kitchens only minutes later.
"Trust me, it took us a while to figure it out," George grabbed a bag of pranks from the floor and motioned Leo and Fred to follow him. Leo kept a watchful eye on the Marauder's Map at all times. First off, the map itself amazed her to all end; she couldn't believe that something could be bewitched to show every occupant of the castle and amused herself by just watching the little dots move around. Secondly, she needed to make sure one of those little dots didn't come to the kitchens while they were down there. As the trio made their way into the kitchen, they were immediately met by dozens of house elves.
"Aye it's the Wheezy twins! We hasn'ts seen you for awhile!" squeaked an elf with large blue eyes and stubby nose.
"And it's their Leo!" pointed out another. "What's it you all be needing now?"
"We come offering you a break from making this feast. We know you must be tired," Fred grinned winningly towards the trusting elves. The elves looked wary at this idea at first, but Fred won them over by describing the fun they could have if they just let them finish getting the feast ready. Besides, he told them, they would be down there to supervise us. The elves warmed up to the idea and thanked them graciously for being helpful.
"Oh, no, it's nothing, really," Leo said with a smile. "Here, why don't you all have a drink? You guys look thirsty from working around the hot ovens all day." She passed around canteens of what seemed to be water to the unsuspecting house elves, but indeed was Butterbeer. And you know what happens when elves drink Butterbeer.
"How are we suppose to get this done with three dozen drunk elves making a ruckus?" George hissed as he sprinkled some powder over the mashed potatoes sitting on all five of the tables situated under the Great Hall.
"Just ignore them. The buzz will wear off soon enough. Hopefully, this will erase all memory from their precious minds," Fred told him, dropping the clear liquid into Snape's goblet.
"You guys, we've got ten minutes," Leo informed them, placing some of the Poodle Pudding on the Slytherin table.
"All finished here."
"Roger that."
"Then let's go."
*****
"You know, I kinda feel guilty drugging the house elves," muttered Leo as she and the twins entered the Great Hall amongst the melee of students trekking their way to the hall as well.
"Don't worry about it. It didn't hurt them and what is about to happen will push that thought from your mind anyway."
"Still though, drunken house elves doesn't lie too well with my conscience."
"Did you say drunken house elves?" Jazz questioned her sister. She, along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing behind them.
"Yeah, why? It's not like it's a rare phrase to say or something," Leo shrugged, giving her sister a strange look, mirroring the one Jazz was giving her.
"Right, Leo," Jazz shook her head and whispered something to Harry, who just laughed and squeezed her hand.
"Since we're queued up here for a while," sighed Hermione impatiently, "Leo, how were the O.W.L.s? Are they as difficult as all the professors, and students for that matter, make them out to be?"
"'Mione jeez, term's almost over, O.W.L.s aren't 'till next year, just give it a rest will you?" Ron looked at his girlfriend and rolled his eyes. She just punched him lightly on the arm. "O.W.L.s are important Ron. Why can't you realize that?"
"Because he's not you!" Harry and Jazz said simultaneously, then both burst out laughing.
"Hermione," Leo said firmly, as to attract the attention of the now- flustered girl, "If you study hard and know the material, then the O.W.L.s are a piece of pumpkin pastry. So don't worry; you probably could take them now and pass them with flying colors."
"Oy, line's moving," George grabbed Leo's hand and pulled her through the crowd, creating a path for Fred, Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Jazz. The Great Hall was once again decked out in red and gold; with all the points they had received from winning the Quidditch Cup, Gryffindor had once again succeeded in winning the House Cup as well. They all gave a slight whoop at the sight before sitting together at the House Table. They chatted pleasantly until Dumbledore clinked his goblet to get everyone's attention. Once silence prevailed over the Hall, he stood up, cleared his throat, and began.
"Ah yes, another year gone. Surprisingly peaceful, but yet we must keep our guard. And our friendships." He glanced at the exchange students, "I have said it once, I will say it again, allies with our fellow witches and wizards, no matter blood or ethnicity, is important at this time. I am glad that this exchange program has worked so well this year. Now then," Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled, "No more of an old man's babbling. Let's eat!" He clapped once and food appeared on everyone's plate. Everyone, students and teachers alike, dug in with gusto. Leo, Fred, and George ate slowly, glancing around like lions on the prowl, waiting, anticipating. Suddenly, without warning, it began.
"Sweet Merlin, Draco!" Pansy shrieked shrilly, grabbing everyone's attention. The once handsome boy was now a stinky, smelly, pig. Before anyone could leave their seats and do anything to help the boy, a Ravenclaw turned into a chicken. Then a Hufflepuff into a poodle. All over the place, students were becoming animals to the point where the Great Hall looked more like a zoo than an eating area. The professors were flabbergasted, but they too suffered problems as Dumbledore let out a "MOOOO!" and turned into a cow. Snape peered around the Hall, searching for the culprit, but his search ended abruptly.
"You're amazing Fred," George grinned at his brother. "Snape is perfect as a jack ass." The trio was some of the few left human. Harry, Jazz, Hermione, and Ron had turned into Humbugs, which amused Leo to great end. The beards were just hilarious to look at. But then they too changed; all three into yellow canaries. As she flew around the room, watching McGonagall pecking at her dinner, Draco rooting around under tables, several Ravenclaw cows mulling around knocking things over, and just the multitude of chaos that she and the twins caused, Leo thought a single thought:
"Who's going to clean this mess up?"
A/N: There, a chapter worthy of posting. Sorry for taking so freaking long; writer's block sucks big ones. Anyone who has experienced it knows personally how much it does. With that said, thanks to all who were patient. I love you to death!!! Also a personal thanks to Mei Queen for drawing a pic for this story, even though my computer won't let me see it. Re-send it please!! I advise you all to read her story, Bad Company. It's really REALLY good. With that all said, I'll tell you that I think the next chapter is the last chapter for this story. So expect teary good-byes and all that next time. In the meantime, I hope you liked this and please review!! I love you all! Happy Holidays!!!
Leo sighed deeply, hoisting her bulging knapsack unto her shoulder and proceeded to leave the stifling hot greenhouse. After having to answer three hundred and twenty seven questions about magical foliage and uproot and replant a very squirmy Albanian Creeping Vine, she was very happy to be free.
"Final exams suck," she groaned to George as she saw him crossing the entrance hall. He smiled at her as he put his arm around her waist, "Cheer up, love, only three more hours of this, and then, well, you know," he winked cheekily. They headed for the Great Hall for lunch.
"Then you give me a Chippendale-esque dance to ease my mind from these exams?" Leo opened her eyes wide, giving George a hopeful look while surpressing laughter as George's face did an admirable impression of a tomato.
"About that," George said shakily, raising a finger as if addressing an important point. Leo just laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry, we can get back to that after the End of Term Feast. Speaking of which, did Fred finish the Poodle Pudding yet?"
"Just last night, actually. Had to test it on himself. Quite the amusing results, I must say," George grinned at the memory. "I hope you don't mind that the poodle is of Standard size, black, and has frilly bows all over the place?"
"Perfect. And I hope you don't mind that the concoction that I whipped up, formal name You Are What You Eat, now applies to the fried chicken, roast pork, turkey legs, hamburgers, and peppermint humbugs."
"Humbugs?" George questioned loudly, causing some people sitting down from them at the table to turn at stare curiously. George just made a funny face and waved at the people before turning to Leo once more. "What's a humbug? I mean I get what it is, food wise, but in physical form?"
Leo put on a thoughtful look, "I was thinking of either turning them into Scrooges, you know 'Bah, Humbug'?" George stared at her blankly. "Ok, you haven't read Dickens then. Figures, it's a Muggle book anyway. Let's just say, an ugly old man who looks kinda like Filch, come to think of it. The other thing was scarabs. But since my mind is ever so brilliant," she smiled cockily as her boyfriend just shook his head, "I decided to combine both ideas: beetles with crazy white hair and long beards."
"You scare me sometimes, Leonor," George beamed at her with admiration.
"Nah, you love me," she smiled back and leaned in and kissed him full on the lips. Just then one third of their trio showed up.
"Get a room, you two," Fred poked George in the ribs as he sat down beside him and grabbed himself a sandwich from the platter in front of him. "So, are we almost all set? We can't leave anything to the last minute."
"I think so Fred. All my pranks are complete and working," Leo confirmed.
"Ditto here."
"Good. I've got the execution part of The Ultimate Prank down to the last crisp. And, as you asked Leo, I've figured out what to do to our favorite Potions Master." Fred gave a wicked grin as he set down a vile of clear liquid in front of Leo. She picked it up and gazed at it from all angles through the glass, "What does it do?"
"I'll give you a hint: What animal does Snape remind you of the most?"
She thought for a second, "You're joking."
"Nope. Three drops of this into Ol' Slimy Head's pumpkin juice and presto! Instant lifelong memory."
"This is so freaking awesome! I could kiss you, Fred!"
"Save that for George, please," he laughed, but appreciated the praise all the same. "I also have figured out how to get this to all the food. All we have to do is."
But the bell cut him off. Fred sighed and got up, "Damn, I've got Transfiguration N.E.W.T.s now. Bite the bullet and all that. See you two later."
"But wait! What do we need to do?" George yelled up the aisle at his twin.
"Don't worry about it! We've got two weeks to do this!" Fred yelled back and disappeared into the crowd of moving students.
"Well, I got to get to Vector's. This Arithimancy O.W.L. test is going to kick me in the ass," Leo lightly kissed George, stood up, and grabbed her things from below the table. "I'll see you after class?"
"Of course, love. I need to get to Hagrid's, so I'll walk you to the staircase, all right?"
"If you want to," Leo smiled as George grabbed at her hand playfully before just grasping it as they walked out of the Great Hall together.
*****
"Sack of pranks?"
"Check."
"Marauder's Map from Harry?"
"Check."
"Butterbeer?"
"Check."
"Prayer?"
"Oh, come off it Fred, this is going to work! Let's not bring God into this," George reassured his brother.
"Besides, I don't think praying to God to help us commit a sin really works that well."
"Leo, did I ever tell you you're a smart ass?"
"Only twice a day, Fredders," she grinned at him impishly.
"All right, we have everything. The Feast starts in approximately one hour. The elves should have finished the food by now. We need to do what we've got to do, get out, and situate ourselves at our respected seats at the Gryffindor table before anyone notices we're gone. Synchronize your watches," Fred bowed his head sheepishly as the other two stared at him like he was crazy. "Nah, I just always wanted to say that."
"You're bleedin' mad Gred," George shook his head. "Still, you did come up with this plan and I hafta say once more that this is a work of pure genius."
"Or insanity. You know there is a fine line," Leo pointed out.
"You helped you know," Fred defended himself.
"Only proving that this is crazier than Flitwick when he got into all that sugar," she grinned at him.
"True, very true. I still couldn't have done this without you two."
"Oh sniff sniff, tears abound," George rolled his eyes. "Now let's cut the chitchat and get the show on the road!"
"Yes captain!"
*****
"So you tickle the pear. Wouldn't have guessed it myself," Leo commented outside the kitchens only minutes later.
"Trust me, it took us a while to figure it out," George grabbed a bag of pranks from the floor and motioned Leo and Fred to follow him. Leo kept a watchful eye on the Marauder's Map at all times. First off, the map itself amazed her to all end; she couldn't believe that something could be bewitched to show every occupant of the castle and amused herself by just watching the little dots move around. Secondly, she needed to make sure one of those little dots didn't come to the kitchens while they were down there. As the trio made their way into the kitchen, they were immediately met by dozens of house elves.
"Aye it's the Wheezy twins! We hasn'ts seen you for awhile!" squeaked an elf with large blue eyes and stubby nose.
"And it's their Leo!" pointed out another. "What's it you all be needing now?"
"We come offering you a break from making this feast. We know you must be tired," Fred grinned winningly towards the trusting elves. The elves looked wary at this idea at first, but Fred won them over by describing the fun they could have if they just let them finish getting the feast ready. Besides, he told them, they would be down there to supervise us. The elves warmed up to the idea and thanked them graciously for being helpful.
"Oh, no, it's nothing, really," Leo said with a smile. "Here, why don't you all have a drink? You guys look thirsty from working around the hot ovens all day." She passed around canteens of what seemed to be water to the unsuspecting house elves, but indeed was Butterbeer. And you know what happens when elves drink Butterbeer.
"How are we suppose to get this done with three dozen drunk elves making a ruckus?" George hissed as he sprinkled some powder over the mashed potatoes sitting on all five of the tables situated under the Great Hall.
"Just ignore them. The buzz will wear off soon enough. Hopefully, this will erase all memory from their precious minds," Fred told him, dropping the clear liquid into Snape's goblet.
"You guys, we've got ten minutes," Leo informed them, placing some of the Poodle Pudding on the Slytherin table.
"All finished here."
"Roger that."
"Then let's go."
*****
"You know, I kinda feel guilty drugging the house elves," muttered Leo as she and the twins entered the Great Hall amongst the melee of students trekking their way to the hall as well.
"Don't worry about it. It didn't hurt them and what is about to happen will push that thought from your mind anyway."
"Still though, drunken house elves doesn't lie too well with my conscience."
"Did you say drunken house elves?" Jazz questioned her sister. She, along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione were standing behind them.
"Yeah, why? It's not like it's a rare phrase to say or something," Leo shrugged, giving her sister a strange look, mirroring the one Jazz was giving her.
"Right, Leo," Jazz shook her head and whispered something to Harry, who just laughed and squeezed her hand.
"Since we're queued up here for a while," sighed Hermione impatiently, "Leo, how were the O.W.L.s? Are they as difficult as all the professors, and students for that matter, make them out to be?"
"'Mione jeez, term's almost over, O.W.L.s aren't 'till next year, just give it a rest will you?" Ron looked at his girlfriend and rolled his eyes. She just punched him lightly on the arm. "O.W.L.s are important Ron. Why can't you realize that?"
"Because he's not you!" Harry and Jazz said simultaneously, then both burst out laughing.
"Hermione," Leo said firmly, as to attract the attention of the now- flustered girl, "If you study hard and know the material, then the O.W.L.s are a piece of pumpkin pastry. So don't worry; you probably could take them now and pass them with flying colors."
"Oy, line's moving," George grabbed Leo's hand and pulled her through the crowd, creating a path for Fred, Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Jazz. The Great Hall was once again decked out in red and gold; with all the points they had received from winning the Quidditch Cup, Gryffindor had once again succeeded in winning the House Cup as well. They all gave a slight whoop at the sight before sitting together at the House Table. They chatted pleasantly until Dumbledore clinked his goblet to get everyone's attention. Once silence prevailed over the Hall, he stood up, cleared his throat, and began.
"Ah yes, another year gone. Surprisingly peaceful, but yet we must keep our guard. And our friendships." He glanced at the exchange students, "I have said it once, I will say it again, allies with our fellow witches and wizards, no matter blood or ethnicity, is important at this time. I am glad that this exchange program has worked so well this year. Now then," Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled, "No more of an old man's babbling. Let's eat!" He clapped once and food appeared on everyone's plate. Everyone, students and teachers alike, dug in with gusto. Leo, Fred, and George ate slowly, glancing around like lions on the prowl, waiting, anticipating. Suddenly, without warning, it began.
"Sweet Merlin, Draco!" Pansy shrieked shrilly, grabbing everyone's attention. The once handsome boy was now a stinky, smelly, pig. Before anyone could leave their seats and do anything to help the boy, a Ravenclaw turned into a chicken. Then a Hufflepuff into a poodle. All over the place, students were becoming animals to the point where the Great Hall looked more like a zoo than an eating area. The professors were flabbergasted, but they too suffered problems as Dumbledore let out a "MOOOO!" and turned into a cow. Snape peered around the Hall, searching for the culprit, but his search ended abruptly.
"You're amazing Fred," George grinned at his brother. "Snape is perfect as a jack ass." The trio was some of the few left human. Harry, Jazz, Hermione, and Ron had turned into Humbugs, which amused Leo to great end. The beards were just hilarious to look at. But then they too changed; all three into yellow canaries. As she flew around the room, watching McGonagall pecking at her dinner, Draco rooting around under tables, several Ravenclaw cows mulling around knocking things over, and just the multitude of chaos that she and the twins caused, Leo thought a single thought:
"Who's going to clean this mess up?"
A/N: There, a chapter worthy of posting. Sorry for taking so freaking long; writer's block sucks big ones. Anyone who has experienced it knows personally how much it does. With that said, thanks to all who were patient. I love you to death!!! Also a personal thanks to Mei Queen for drawing a pic for this story, even though my computer won't let me see it. Re-send it please!! I advise you all to read her story, Bad Company. It's really REALLY good. With that all said, I'll tell you that I think the next chapter is the last chapter for this story. So expect teary good-byes and all that next time. In the meantime, I hope you liked this and please review!! I love you all! Happy Holidays!!!