Chapter Ten

The Competition

At lunch they enjoyed a wonderful meal, and Dumbledore told them they should announce the winners before lunch was over this time, so halfway through, Harry and Ginny walked up to the staff table and stood directly in front of Dumbledore.

"We have the votes. This time no write ins were allowed. However I ask that you wait until the end of our competition to give us any detentions." Harry said.

"Why would I have to do that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well there is bound to be a reason, but trust me I am not trying to make it that way." Harry said seriously.

"Alright Harry Please proceed." Dumbledore said. Harry nodded.

Harry and Ginny stood in front of the staff table facing the students. They grinned at each other. They both whistled loudly, and shrilly. When all students faced them they began their show.

"Now students, most of you have selected people from today's competition. We are sorry that no one in Hufflepuff decided to run. We understand our contest's seem a bit...dangerous...to ones ego!" Harry said causing everyone to laugh.

"Okay we are going to announce these by our level of fun. First of all, I would like all the witches from our smartest witch contest to come stand up here. Hermione Granger, Jennifer Johnson, and..." Ginny stopped looking at Harry. Harry smiled and nodded. "Ok Harry whatever you say. Draco Malfoy!" Everyone started laughing at this. Dumbledore called Harry over to him.

"I thought you said witches Harry." Dumbledore said.

"I did sir, but Snape got Malfoy's name instead of the Slytherin girl we requested. What were we supposed to do? You said we could only do it with their permission." Harry said, seriously at this statement. "Professor Snape, why would you do such a thing to your own house?"

"What!" Snape said and pulled out the list he had. Showing it to Dumbledore. "These are the names of the people I got signatures from." Dumbledore looked at the paper than stared in shock at Snape. He then looked at Harry.

"Very well Harry. I will talk with Professor Snape about this." Dumbledore said. He showed the paper to Flitwick who placed a charm removal on the paper, however it stayed the same. "Severus, from now on make sure who signs what paper. It is his signature."

Harry walked back to stand beside Ginny. He noticed the confused looks on everyone's faces as he spoke.

"We do not understand him being here either, I assure you. He is neither intelligent nor a witch. However, because of Professor Dumbledore stating only those who signed our parchment of acceptance, and Slytherins signed in full view of their house head. Which means Professor Snape is to blame for this outrage!" Harry said, while many began to boo Snape. "Calm down, calm down. He didn't win you know! Although Slytherin house loyalty held strong as he received a quarter of the votes!" People began to laugh. "Whether they thought him smart or a witch I don't know. But that's enough jokes." He walked next to the two real contestants, and whispered. "I'm going to cast a spell now. Don't worry, its not cruel or mean. Its just some fun alright you two?" They nodded and Harry cast his spell. Suddenly, they each wore a muggle cap and gown, as if graduating from high school. He looked to Dumbledore and pointed to Malfoy. "May I?" When Dumbledore nodded he did the same to Malfoy. "Now people, this attire cannot be removed for the day, as an honor to these... well two of these for they are notably smart witches. Well in third place we have..." Harry looked to Ginny and she nodded.

"Draco Malfoy!" They said together. Malfoy became nervous as the robes changed to Slytherin house colors with a snake on the sleeve. The number '3' appeared on the front of the gown. Harry laughed.

"Apparently he thought we were going to be mean to him again! Is the wittle Malfoy scawed?" Harry asked, getting a laugh from the school. Malfoy pulled out his wand, but again he was too slow for Harry.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Harry said, then looked at Dumbledore. "Sorry Professor, but I didn't feel like getting a curse thrown at me right now. Another week?" Harry asked, sounding unsure. Dumbledore shook his head, and Harry smiled. He then turned back to the school. "Sorry for the delay! For number two, by only one vote" Harry said.

"Jennifer Johnson!" Again Ginny and Harry shouted together. Her gown turned blue with a raven on the sleeve, the number '2' appeared on the front. She smiled happily. However, Hermione, whose gown had turned Gryffindor red, with a lion on the sleeve, beamed as the number '1' appeared on the front.

"We wanted to thank all three of you for participating. Well, two of you at least. We were honored to honor you two. Congratulations, Jennifer and Hermione. You can ask the professors if you feel we lied. I am giving them the list of the votes, counted by magic, not witch or wizard." Ginny said, looking at them both. They hugged each other and went back to their tables. Ginny handed the list to Dumbledore saying "We really did have them counted with magic. We knew Hermione would win, though. She is the smartest in school." Dumbledore nodded and smiled. "Also, please don't interrupt the next competition." Dumbledore nodded.

"Okay, one down two to go! We are going to School Beauty next!" Harry said smiling. "Though none are my number one choice, today you will see yours! Please come up, Serena Black!" He paused for the cheers. "Cho Chang!" more cheering. "and...oh my god! Ginny are you serious?" Ginny nodded. Harry laughed and continued. "Okay. Millicent Bulstrode!" A loud amount of booing and laughing. Millicent Bulstrode was not even a close comparison for this contest.

"Well you see, we didn't want to have a Malfoy incident in school beauty. We all know he is such a pretty little thing!" Ginny said, causing the school to laugh. "So we took best brain from Slytherin, really no contest, as she's not to bright either. Harry get them looking fit to play the part." Ginny finished smiling. Harry walked up to Cho and Serena.

"Ok you two. I have to ask permission for this from you. Are you willing to be seen in a bathing suit in front of the entire school?" Harry said. He got the idea from a program he saw on the telly at the Dursleys. "If you say no, it will not happen. This will not be charmed to stay either. you can choose to keep it on or wear your robes afterwards. Tell me though, cause if I charm them to stay on you wont get in trouble." Harry finished. He looked at Serena, who grinned.

"What the hell, only live once!" Serena said. "I'll keep mine on all day as well. How bout you Cho? you look like you got a bod worth showing off."

"I won't get in trouble Harry?" Cho asked.

"No if anyone gets in trouble it will be me for doing this." Harry said honestly.

"Ok, I'll do it. I'll keep it on all day." Cho said firmly.

"Good job Cho! Ok When I announce the winners, a robe will appear on you all, so don't worry alright?" Harry said. When they nodded He cast his charm. Cho and Serena appeared in modest bikinis, causing Dumbledore to again call Harry to him.

"What is the meaning of this Mr. Potter?" He asked.

"Sir, they are not in their underwear I promise. I also asked for their permission first as I was about to ask you all for permission for Millicent. They are wearing bathing suits sir. I promise you this is not abnormal to be seen in summer." Harry said. He remained serious, no thought of joking or lying his way out of this ever crossed his mind.

"Miss Bulstrode, Black, and Chang please come here." Dumbledore said. When they got close to him he began to speak.

"Miss Chang, Miss Black, did you agree to this?" He asked. Both of them nodded, Serena smiling.

"Cho is a bit afraid she will get in trouble sir. Will you please tell her she was not at fault, but I?" Harry asked Dumbledore.

"No Miss Chang you are not in trouble. Harry, you are not either, as you have received permission. Miss Bulstrode, will you agree to this as well?" Dumbledore asked. Millicent's eyes got wide, and she shook her head furiously. "Very well. Harry continue."

"One second, sir. Would she be willing to remove her robe as the charm for the contest will place a new one on her?" Harry asked.

"Miss Bulstrode?" Dumbledore asked. Millicent removed her robe, and Harry went to stand next to Ginny.

"Well, well boys, I must say! These two girls here are very kind to you all. Both agreed to be charmed to stay like this the rest of the day!" Harry shouted, as guys through the whole room cheered. "Exactly what I thought! Anyway, let me begin before Gin hexes me!" laughter began again as Ginny waved her wand at him playfully. "Ok number 3 please step forward." Harry looked shocked. Ginny looked at it and started laughing.

"Millicent Bulstrode." Ginny said, laughing. A small robe appeared on Millicent, green with a snake on one sleeve. On one said of the robe it said '3' on the other it said 'Passable'. This caused the students to laugh, Millicent ran from the front of the school, crying.

"Okay...We didn't expect that! Passable should be pretty good to a school beauty shouldn't it?" Ginny said, and everyone cheered. "Ok, then lets move on then! Number 2 is...Oh my god!" Ginny said, handing the paper to Harry. He started laughing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have no second place winner! We have a tie for first place! Go Girls!" Harry said. Robes appeared on both girls in the house colors, on one side, the number '1', on the other side 'School Beauty'. Harry thought. He walked up to Dumbledore.

"Sir this was counted by magic. If we had a tie, shouldn't it have been second place than to first?" He said. Dumbledore thought for a moment then shook his head.

"No, Harry. You had two people in front of Miss Bulstrode, however, I thank you for trying to be nice to her." Dumbledore said, a smile forming on his face. Harry nodded, and walked back to face the crowd.

"Ok first I want to apologize for this next one ahead of time. The marauders, for the next four weeks, from the hours of eight until whenever Professor Lupin allows us to leave, will be found in detention!" Everyone laughed as Harry said this. "I also want to apologize to Padma and Parvati Patil while they come up. You were not meant to be involved, but no one else signed." The twins walked up on stage and Harry and Ginny walked over to them. "Look both of you are tied for third as magic says. But trust us on this one, its a good place to be. This is the prank, ok?"

"He's serious, you two. Trust me if you won this one you wouldn't be happy." Ginny said. At this both twins nodded.

"Ok, now let's get Pansy Parkinson up here!" Harry said facing the crowd. "Also Serena, since you are of the marauders, and this is our event, please come up." Harry smiled as Serena came up. When all three were standing in front of the crowd. They began to grin.

"God Serena you show off too much! Look at you! Did you ask Harry for the smallest bikini?" Ginny said, laughing.

"Of course! Harry what did you say muggles said on the telly? That's it the telly. What did they say?" Serena asked laughing as well.

"When you got it, flaunt it?" Harry said, more stating than asking.

"Yeah that's it! Hmm Gin you know what, their right too!" Serena said and waved her wand, leaving Ginny and Harry in bathing suits of their own, while still wearing their robes. Cheers went up through the school. "Now we look bout right!"

"Okay, okay Serena enough games. We have an announcement to make after all!" Harry said, laughing, then looking at Ginny. "Wow, you definitely got it!" Students laughed again. "Ok, let me move on now. We have three girls here ready to get an award! Fortunately, we have a two way tie for third. Unfortunately we don't have a prize for that place at all! Except to smile and say your parents should be proud!" People laughed at this. "Now, for the winner we definitely have a prize! and the winner is..."

"Pansy Parkinson!" The marauders yelled together. Slytherin went up in applause, until they saw her robes change. A picture of a girl standing seductively on one sleeve, on the other sleeve it said '1', and on the front a picture of a bed with the words 'want to have a go?'. The whole school laughed, causing the marauders to laugh even harder, until they heard people gasp. Harry looked from Serena to Ginny, noticing nothing different, he became confused.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Remus yelled, and as Harry turned around he saw what happened. Harry, using both wands closed the curtains, blocking Padma and Parvatti from view.

"Get them dressed." Harry said to the girls, not even looking at Padma and Parvatti. Ginny and Serena nodded, and summoned robes for them to wear. They were both crying, Ginny and Serena comforting them. Harry walked up to Dumbledore with his anger flaring.

"WHO DID THIS TO THEM!" Harry yelled.

"We do not know, we thought it was you." Dumbledore said, looking angry himself.

"Professor, those two are friends. Why would I embarrass a friend like that! What about my promise!" Harry yelled.

"Well why were you sentencing yourself for an extra week Harry?" Remus asked.

"Pansy Parkinson! Look at her robes!" Harry shouted still angry. Remus walked over to the girl and looked.

"Harry! What made you think of this kind of thing!" Remus shouted at him. Harry smiled for a second.

"It was something Sirius once said to me. It's not exactly untrue either." Harry said his smile gone from his face, staying only long enough to think of Sirius' story. Remus' jaw dropped.

"Oh my god! I had forgotten about that completely! Well what happened to those poor girls then?" Remus asked. Harry didn't answer, instead he walked to the curtain and looked out. He saw Malfoy and those around him laughing. Harry smiled. Aiming a wand at Malfoy.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted and laughed as Malfoy's wand came to him. He walked to Remus and handed him the wand. "Check it to see if a banishing charm was done." Remus checked, then nodded grimly. "Malfoy!" Harry said, then walked over to the twins.

"Padma, Parvatti, I'm sorry you had to go through that. It was not my plan, but rest assured I will make sure he pays for what happened to you. I hope you can forgive me for being stupid enough to think that no one would be harmed in this prank that were my friends." Harry said sadly. The twins nodded.

"Did one of you do this?" Padma said, Harry shook his head. "Then tell us who did it so we can get him!" She shouted.

"Miss' Patil, please do not do that. Allow us teachers to handle this. I promise you that the one responsible will be punished." Dumbledore said. The twins nodded. "Now Miss Weasley, Mr. Potter, if you can please wear something more presentable to a student. Your jokes for today are done."

"They can't professor. I used the same charm Harry used. Their clothes cannot be banished or covered until they wake up tomorrow. Maybe that's why Parvatti and Padma had this happen to them. But until tomorrow we are all going to look like this." Serena said. Dumbledore sighed and nodded his head.

" Well, perhaps to make up for the mayhem you three have caused you will escort these two girls back to their dorms to change?" Dumbledore asked. Harry, Ginny and Serena nodded.

"Come with us you two, no one will bother you now." Harry said, as Ginny and Serena nodded. They walked the twins out of the great hall, right by Slytherin table, when Harry stopped. He said only three words.

"For the Patils?" Ginny and Serena nodded. Harry using both wands summoned a rope to hang from the ceiling, at the same time levitating Malfoy, upside down, and had the rope tie itself to his ankle. Then Ginny and Serena banished his clothes and made him quack like a duck respectively.

"No one," Harry said.

"Can ever!" Serena said.

"Mess with our FRIENDS!" Ginny said menacingly.

"This was for the Patils!" Harry shouted to everyone in the great hall.

"Agreed!" Ginny and Serena shouted. The three of them then turned to the twins.

"Is that enough?" Serena asked.

"Do you want more?" Ginny asked

"It is your decision." Harry said. The Patil twins looked shocked.

"Can we decide later?" Padma asked. Harry, Ginny, and Serena nodded, and continued to lead the girls to their dorms.

Dumbledore watched the scene of vengeance in shocked awe. He saw Remus watching with much the same expression.

"It really is amazing isn't it? They seem to know what the others are going to do, and act accordingly. I am most pleased that they at least left the boy with some clothes." Dumbledore said. "However, what is this story that Harry spoke of?"

"Don't you remember Albus? We did the exact same thing to Snape that they did to Parkinson. Without the whole competition that is. That and it could be removed instantly. James seemed to think Severus needed help getting a date, so he and Sirius charmed his robe to change into a similar version of Miss Parkinson's."

"Ah, yes for detention I made them write 'I will not attempt to help a student' till it stayed on the parchment. They seemed quite amused that it kept erasing itself. Turned into quite a problem when they gave quills with the same charm to their professors. It took weeks to get grades to students" Dumbledore said, quietly chuckling. "These children definitely have their flare for creativity. I still wish to find out how they got Mr. Malfoys name on that list, when they never touched it after the names were signed. They only received it when they came to me."

"Maybe Snape really did make a mistake?" Remus said, more confused than Dumbledore.

"I do not believe Severus would make a mistake about this. Tell the children they will not have the week of detention that they thought they would receive for their joke." Dumbledore said.

"Albus are you sure about this?" Remus asked. "If you do not punish them the students will think its favoritism."

"Remus, how many times did I let your group get away with things? How many times have I allowed the Weasley twins to make their jokes? Though their joke may have been in bad taste, it was a joke. None of the people who they invited into this joke were caused problem by them. However I feel we have a small problem now." Dumbledore said.

"What is that?" Remus asked curiously.

"I feel Miss Black likes this too much to go back to her old ways. What makes that bad is that if she so chooses, she can stay this way, in which case we will lose a great auror, a strong Order member, and a good friend. However, I am torn. She seems to be good for Mr. Potter. Indeed, though he knows who she is, having someone to share his popularity seems to only make him better than he already is. Did you see how quickly he reacted to Mr. Malfoy? I don't even think I could have moved that fast, now or ever." Dumbledore said. "When choosing between happiness and responsibility, what do you do? Especially, when both are given to the person who truly needs them the most."

"Do you mean that Harry is learning responsibility and being happy with Serena here?" Remus asked.

"Not only Serena of course. Miss Weasley is a great help to him as well. But yes, he is learning leadership. If you watch them when they handle a prank, vengeance, or anything at all, they take their lead from Harry. That is a great responsibility. Also, having Miss Black, he does not feel the pain of the loss of Sirius." Dumbledore said.

"But Albus, he knows she is not-" Remus began.

"Does he Remus? Does he remember? If so, does he care? Remember, though she is not a true heir, she is a Black. Look at her Remus, and tell me she does not remind even you of Sirius." Dumbledore said. He sighed and shook his head. "I feel we should ask her this question. Does she want to be Serena Black? If she so chooses, then we cannot turn that away. If we do, we would be stopping happiness. That is the very thing we are fighting against."

"But what of the situation with Harry, Albus. She is after all, someone in control of him." Remus said. How could Harry do this! he thought. Just make someone willing to be someone else!

"Well if she chooses to stay, then you will have to be the responsible one. For both of them, as Serena is still young. I do not know what to say Remus, this is not an easy thing. I must ask that you figure this out during the detentions that they have." Dumbledore said. "Alas, we have no time to spend on this as those three will be in your class soon. We know it is a bad thing to leave them bored." He said, chuckling at the last.