Chapter 5: Prank Quills

Disclaimer: Nothing but the plot belongs to me

Hermione found herself often frequenting the alcove over the next few days. She had not been wrong to assume this would become her go-to study spot and she already found herself extremely comfortable there. Not only could she go into the library whenever she needed a reference book, but the access to the Restricted Section proved to be very helpful with her studies. She had just finished a couple hours of homework when she decided to take a break and explore the room some more. As she looked around, she spotted the old end-table and opened the drawers. She was thrilled to find a set of quills, inkwells in multiple colors, and scrolls upon scrolls of parchment. Quickly, she rifled through the various drawers to grab all the materials she needed to write back to Fred. Before she made her way back to the desk, she peeked into the wide cabinet in the center of the end table and was surprised to find it completely empty, untouched by the surrounding clutter. Shrugging this off, she hurried over to the desk, cleared away some of the mess, sat down and began to write.

Hello Fred,

I am pleased to tell you that I am writing this letter from your hidden alcove. I can't describe in words how much I've already come to adore this place. I've already found a few books from the Restricted section that I can't wait to read! I also find it quite interesting to see your research notes for your Skiving Snackboxes. I'm impressed by the effort you put into them, although I am not thrilled by their effects. It turns out getting away from the boys has been quite helpful!

It was great to hear that my ideas assisted you in some way. If you do end up making the themed charms I would love to hear some of your ideas. In other news, our first Hogsmeade trip is tomorrow! Harry and I are planning on heading over together. Ron, on the other hand will not be joining us, not that I consider this a loss at all. Lavender has told pretty much everyone in the school about how excited she was for her and WonWon's first date. I went to another Slug Club meeting, I feel they would be more bearable if Harry and Ginny actually showed up. Other than that, not much has happened over the past week. Thank you again for telling me about the alcove.

A very grateful,

Hermione Granger

Hermione chewed her lip as she read over the letter. To her surprise, the ink had changed from the sensible black she had chosen to a rainbow of different colors. She was sure Fred would enjoy that, but was it too much? Furthermore, did it sound too stilted? The idea of writing her best friends brother was still such a foreign idea. She would be lying if she said she hadn't been putting it off. Well, this will have to be good enough, she thought as she folded the parchment. Luckily, she found a stack of empty envelopes in one of the side table drawers and placed her letter inside, sealed it, and addressed it to Fred. After doing so, she made her way up to the owlery and found Athena preening herself on a high perch. Hermione figured she might as well try calling her by "her name" and was happy to find that she really did respond. She tied the letter to her foot, told her where to go and watched her fly off.

It was to her great surprise the following morning, to see Athena already waiting for her in the Great Hall when she arrived. This time tied to her foot was a vibrant yellow letter. She took the letter hastily and started to read:

To The Ever-Talented, Wonderful Incredible Hermione Granger,

I had to write to you quickly because I wanted to catch you before you left to Hogsmeade. Zonko's just put out a new line of prank quills and I haven't been able to snag any. They've banned me and George from patronizing ever since they heard we're interested in buying them out. I was hoping to ask you to buy one of each if possible as an undercover agent of ours? I promise I will pay you back in the next letter! This is an extremely important research opportunity. Now that that's out of the way! I'm so very glad you enjoy the alcove! Sorry that we left it so messy, as you know, we didn't really have time to clean it up. Anyhow, I hope your Hogsmeade weekend is a peaceful one! Looking forward to your response (and those quills)

P. S. I will terrorize WonWon with that nickname until the day I die.

P.S.S I see you found my mood-changing ink ;)

The Rather Dashing,

Fredward

Hermione felt a funny mix of humour and dread in her stomach after reading the end of the letter. She let out a panicked laugh as she tried to figure out what emotions the ink might have revealed. Reading the letter again, she couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculous sign-off. "What's so funny?" Ginny plopped down into the seat next to her. Hermione hurriedly stuffed the letter into her bag and stuttered out "O-oh nothing! Just a letter… from my mother! Right she was just talking about my dad getting frustrated at the microwave again!" She knew this was a pathetic lie, but she was sure Ginny wouldn't question it, seeing as she didn't know what a microwave was. Unfortunately, Ginny had a shrewd look in her eye. "I didn't know your parents had started using owl post?" Thankfully, at that time, Dean joined her at the table and pulled her attention away.. Hermione let out a breath. She didn't particularly feel like explaining to Ginny why she was exchanging letters with her twin brother just yet. Soon Harry and Ron made their way to the table. Harry immediately told her about how he had accidentally suspended Ron on midair from his leg that morning. Hermione was filled with a sinking feeling. "Was this spell, by any chance, another one from that potion book of yours?" she asked, already knowing the answer. Harry frowned and responded,"Always jump to the worst conclusion, don't you?" "Was it?" she urged." Well yeah, it was, but so what?" he snapped back. She was starting to feel irritated. How could Harry be this daft? "So you just decided to try out an unknown, handwritten incantation and see what would happen?" she asked, astonished at how the two boys could ever find this entertaining. "Why does it matter if it's handwritten?" shot back Harry. Hermione replied at once "Because it's probably not Ministry of Magic approved!" then decided to admit what she had been thinking for the past few weeks. "Also because I'm starting to think this Prince character is a bit dodgy." Ron shot her down immediately, telling her to learn how to take a joke. That it was just a laugh. She felt her face redden, she was fuming. "Dangling people upside down by the ankle? Who puts their time and energy into making up spells like that?" she asked incredulously. "Fred and George," replies Ron immediately. Hermione bit her lip, she couldn't refute this. Although he had been writing her these kind letters, Fred was absolutely the kind of person to be entertained by this. She shot Ron a glare which he returned just as fast. This led to an argument that was only broken up by a first year coming to deliver a letter from Dumbledore to Harry. Soon after Lavender appeared, with a large bow in her hair, to collect Ron for their date. She gave Hermione a scathing glare and flounced away.

Harry gave her a sympathetic smile "You know, Ron does miss you." she ignored this comment. They stood up to leave the Great Hall "I'm serious. He thought you would never talk to him again." she crossed her arms and replied curtly "Well, judging from that last conversation, that might be for the best." It seemed that Harry couldn't argue with how badly the interaction between Ron and her had gone and decided to keep quiet about it. Hermione's mood immediately elevated the moment they stepped into Hogsmeade. She would never get over truly magical it looked. She and Harry immediately head to Zonko's Jokes shop. Although it was still open, the joke shop was surprisingly empty. There was a familiar feeling of fear in the air. Still, Hermione was on a mission. While Harry was perusing the mostly empty shelves, Hermione went up to a pimply faced employee. "Umm. Excuse me sir. Do you have any of your new prank quills in stock?" the young man gave her a quizzical look but didn't question her. He led her to a brightly colored (and completely untouched) display of quills. She grabbed one of each. Harry watched bemused as she checked out." Since when did you have an interest in prank quills" Hermione's face reddened "it's a gift…" Harry raised an eyebrow. "for my dad." she finished lamely. Harry let her lie hang between them and they continued to Honeydukes where they were unfortunately accosted by Professor Slughorn, trying once again to get Harry to join in a Slug Club get together. Once they escaped, they decided to take shelter from the cold in the Three Broomstick. Unfortunately on the way there they caught sight of Mundungus Fletcher selling Sirius' things, which got Harry in a rotten mood. They ordered two Butterbeers and Hermione sat and listened to Harry complain about the thief. She let her eyes wander around the pub and was annoyed to see Ron and Lavender wrapped around each other so intensely, she couldn't tell whose limbs were whose. Harry, thankfully, chose that time to suggest they head back. She agreed and they set off back to the castle right away. Their walk up to the castle was thrown into chaos as Katie Bell, having touched some sort of cursed necklace, had risen up into the air screaming. The rest of the evening was a whirlwind ending with Harry recounting the tale to Ron and vehemently trying to convince them it was Draco Malfoy doing. All hopes of having a peaceful Hogsmeade weekend squashed.