Harry Potter Junior Level Ch. 38

A.N. Thanks goes out to Rubyblue100 for the pinata idea, Blue Luver 5000 for the prank war, Lily flower101 for the prank the adults idea.

(Kenny Loggins, lyrics).../.../... Now, off to the party! Please review and tell me what you think of it. As always, thanks for reading and if you have suggestions for the story, I'm all ears. :-)

Birthday Pranks

"Harry? Are you ready to leave? I have some work to do and need to get back before dinner." Sirius calls to the boy making strange noises in his room.

"Alright, I'm ready now." Harry tells him as he walks out of his bedroom.

"What were you doing in there, upending all the furniture?"

"No, I was hunting for my pocket money. I'd put it in this coin purse and buried it in my sock drawer but I forgot where it was."

"Should I be worried over the state of your bedroom? It doesn't look as if the Hogwarts Express went through does it?" Sirius asks, teasingly.

"Well, it isn't that bad but it's not all that neat either. I'll straighten it when we get home. Are we going to the Three Broomsticks for lunch?"

"Didn't I see you eat a stack of four pancakes, two eggs and three helpings of bacon just an hour ago? Surely, you can't be hungry already."

"I'm not yet but I will be after we shop. Shopping makes me hungry, Dad so, can we go for lunch?"

"I suppose I can indulge you just this once. You know I usually deprive you of meals when we go out so I believe I should remedy that today."

"Dad, you are being a real nutter today. Let's go shopping. I have a lot to look for."

"After you, sir. Remember, we aren't buying things for you, today. We're shopping for Draco."

"Dad, you are in the presence of a ten and a half year old not six year old. I'm too old to be reminded of such trivial things."

"After you, old man. We can't do all this shopping you have planned if we don't walk to Hogsmeade."

Entering the joke shop of Gambols and Japes, Harry waves to the proprietor.

"Hello, young Mr. Potter-Black. How are you today? What may I help you find?"

"I'm buying pranks for a birthday party. I need some ideas though. It's for Draco Snape who's turning eleven on Friday."

"Nothing too outrageous, please. His Father is Professor Snape and he doesn't enjoy pranks." Sirius reminds the man.

"Yes sir, Professor Black. We'll find just the right ones. Come along."

"Here we have just the thing for a boy's party. It's not the usual kind of pinata, you see. When hung and someone takes a swing at it, instead of bursting, it flies after the person who tries to strike it. With more people chasing it, the more it fights back. To open it, the birthday child must hit it three times with this magical stick. We have all sorts of different designs. Is he a boy interested in Goblins? How about Quidditch or maybe dragons? This one breathes fire as it flies." He says pointing to a green dragon with purple scales.

"Oh! Dad, could we buy this? Draco would love it, I just know he would."

"We'll take one, Mr. Higgins. Now, what do we use to fill this?"

"Most fill it with candy and maybe small toys. I have a selection of small magic themed filler over here. We have eyeballs that squirt water, frog rings, witches fingers, and more."

"I think we'll just buy the pinata not the filler. Harry, look around to see if there's anything else you want to buy." Sirius answers.

"LOOK, Dad! I found these wicked socks! The stars flash Gryffindor red and gold! I'm buying these and also this yo- yo. It screams when you throw it and wind it back up."

"Those are good prank presents, son. I doubt your Uncle Severus would appreciate a screaming yo-yo, however. It also wouldn't be something to keep in the dorm. Let's look for something quieter."

"I saw a two deck set of self shuffling cards, Dad. Could I buy those?"

"That would be fine, son."

"This set is also charmed to glow in the dark, Mr. Potter-Black. The young man will enjoy this as he can play after lights out."

"Mr. Higgins, you shouldn't be passing on bad ideas to the C. H. I. L. D." Sirius says in a stage whisper.

"HELLO? This C.H.I.L.D. can spell, you know. I am ten not five! Remember, I already told you that this morning. Are you going dotty in your old age, Dad?"

"Watch the cheek, young man. I was making a joke. Thank you Mr. Higgins, we'll be shopping again." Sirius says as he steers Harry out the exit.

"Harry, that was an uncalled for tone of voice you used just then. Mind your manners young man or we'll go home for you to spend the rest of the day in your room!" Sirius scolds quietly as they walk past the store.

"I'm sorry, Dad. It's just that sometimes as a kid, I get tired of people acting as if I'm not there or too slow minded to follow the conversation."

"You are anything but slow minded. Come on, let's go finish shopping. Where do you want to go?"

"How about Honeydukes? We could use some candy to fill the pinata. Can we go to the Quality Quidditch store? I need to buy a Quidditch something. Draco loves that game."

"A Quidditch something? Do you mean something Quidditch related?"

"Yes, Dad. May we go there first and then to Honeydukes?"

"We aren't buying a new broom for you or Draco, so don't be asking. We're buying gifts for Draco not things for ourselves, understand?"

"I wasn't thinking of buying a broom and I couldn't afford it if I did. I want to get him something nice though."

"Quidditch gloves or a broom servicing kit would be a nice gift. I think I'll buy him some gloves. What did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking of several things but I want to look first before I make up my mind." Harry answers as they walk into the shop.

After several trips around the shop, Harry sees just what he wants to buy.

"Dad! Come see what I found!" Harry calls excitedly.

"Don't shout across the shop, son. What did you find?" Sirius asks, looking at the strange contraption Harry is holding.

"It's called Broom Wings and they slide over the handle to the broom and stick out on each side. The wings help you balance easier and you can focus on getting a goal or the snitch or beating the bludger away. I have enough money so may I get this?"

"If that's what you want to buy, go ahead. I've purchased the new gloves for my gift."

"Now, I need to find something for Draco." Harry announces after purchasing the Broom Wings.

"Harry James! You mean to tell me that is for you? I thought they were for Draco." Sirius scolds, arms crossed and frowning at the boy.

"Got you, Dad! You really thought I bought them for me! You told me not to buy anything for myself, I remember. I pranked you." Harry replies, grinning.

"You sure did. I fell for that one. Let's go get the candy after we have lunch. I'm ready for some hot food."

"Dad. Do you think Uncle Sev would let us make sundaes at the party? I have an idea and we need to buy the candy for it today. Draco would like to do this and so would the other kids who are coming." Harry says after quickly explaining his idea.

"We can do those, son. I've told Severus I will be in charge of the party and clean up. This needs to be a party Draco will always remember."

On the way to the Three Broomsticks Harry asks, "Dad? I don't understand why Uncle Sev worries about parties. We have magic to use to clean everything up. I don't get it."

"It has to do with Sev's childhood, son. He grew up with a tyrannical Father who was a muggle and despised magic. He was the type who punished for accidental magic and disliked messes. Severus would never admit it, but this is my belief as to why he is uptight about some things. One more thing, Young Man, IF you tell Severus I said he was uptight, I'll ground you and paddle your bum every night, for a year!"

"Yes sir, I hear you. I wouldn't tell him." Harry answers, trying not to giggle at the outrageous punishment.

"Good to know, let's go inside to order and enjoy lunch. I'm having a Monster burger, chips and chocolate mint chips shake with sprinkles. How about you?"

"I want a double Mini Monster burger, chips and a firewhiskey" Harry answers watching Sirius' reaction, enjoying when his Dad's eyebrows shoot up to his hairline.

"Well! Just when did you age seven years? Last I knew, you were ten not seventeen. No to Firewhiskey, my son. I will allow one glass of butterbeer, however."

"No thanks, I'll have the chocolate shake with sprinkles just like you. You don't eat like this at school or here either when Uncle Sev or Uncle Remus come with us."

"I know. I have to eat the grown up food then. When it's just you and me, I like to indulge my inner child as Remus calls it."

"I like your inner child, Dad. He's fun to be with. Will you order for me? I need the loo."

Friday afternoon:

"Draco, Grandpa is right. This room is perfect for a party. I think he even enlarged it for us, as I don't remember the side room here in the Amusement Area this large. Well, Dad said to start decorating without him so we'll tie balloons on the backs of the chairs. Dad put a charm on them so they stay inflated for days. Grandpa said we could do whatever we wanted up here."

"What's in the large sack, Harry? More decorations?" Draco asks pointing to the bag in the corner of the room.

"I don't know, let's go look."

Walking over, the boys carefully open the bag. As they do so, paper lanterns float up to hover in the air around the room. The round lanterns are blue, green, silver, gold and red.

"Hmm, nice colors. We just about have all the house colors represented. I see more red and gold than the others though. Look! They light up and even flash on and off!" Draco exclaims.

"What else is in there?" Harry asks as Draco looks back into the bag.

"What's this for?" Draco asks, holding up a ball with what looks like small mirrors all over it.

"I don't know, Drake. Put it on the table and we'll ask Dad about it.

Busy tying balloons on the chair backs, Draco doesn't see his Uncle enter.

"Well, you have done well in the thirty minutes you've been decorating. How did you hang the lanterns?"Sirius asks.

"We didn't. When we found them in the bag, they flew up and hovered. Dad, what's this mirrored ball for? Do you know?" Harry answers pointing to the ball the boys placed on a table.

"I can't say, son. I've never seen a mirrored ball. Well, let's get to work. Harry, Draco, bring the box that's by the door and let's set this sundae making station up. The ice cream is in the long cooler. It will stay frozen as long as it's not taken out of the cooler."

As Draco places large clear cups, bowls of crushed Oreo cookies and chocolate syrup. Harry arranges bowls of gummy worms, different types of gummy bugs and green shredded licorice. Watching his cousin, Draco asks "Harry? Just what exactly are we going to do with all of this?"

"Dad? Could we make two sundaes to show Draco what to do for tomorrow?"

"Yes Harry. Just be sure to seal the cooler closed or you won't have ice cream to use tomorrow.

"Yes sir. Okay, Drake, pick up a cup and dip out one scoop of ice cream. Now, put the crushed Oreo cookies on top of it, add some chocolate sauce, green licorice, a couple of worms and bugs and there's your Muddy Buggy Sundae. Now we eat it! You see the cookies and syrup are dirt and mud, the licorice is grass. Fun to make and great to eat!"

"Yes, this is good! Good idea, Harry. What games are we going to play? Don't we need some games?"

"That's a surprise. Hi, Grandpa!" Harry calls.

"Hello my boys. Well, I see you haven't hung the Mirror Ball. I'll do that for you." As Dumbledore flicks his wand, the ball attaches itself to a long pole which suddenly appeared hanging from the ceiling.

"Watch this boys." Dumbledore calls, clapping his hands. The lights dim and the ball begins to spin. As a spotlight flashes different colors on the Mirror Ball, small rectangular lights flash around the room.

"Wicked! Grandpa, that's just what we need to make it festive!" Harry exclaims.

"I still wish you hadn't suggested this, Dumbledore. Having twelve children all between ten and thirteen years old in one room for three hours and I can't assign detention is going to be torture!" Severus complains having walked in as the boys were watching the Mirror Ball.

"Relax Sev, I've got this covered. We have treats, gifts, games, and fun planned. Draco will love his first ever Kid party. You are in charge of the cake so how's it coming?"

"It's going to be brought here tomorrow at two o'clock for the event. It's being created by the kitchen elves and Draco will love it. I sketched the cake out for the elves to make so I know what I'm saying, Sirius."

Party time

Greeting each guest as they arrive, Draco directs them to the table. "Just take a seat at the table. We're going to eat first."

Smiling and calling loudly over the chatter, Sirius addresses the group. "Welcome everyone to Draco's Eleventh Birthday Celebration. It's time to enjoy the party treats. If you will, when I tell you, wave your hand over your plate, you will be served. We have Wizardly Wild Berry Punch or Lizard Spit for drinks. The Lizard Spit is a lemon-lime drink. Once we eat the treats on your plate, we will feast on birthday cake. You may turn your plates over and wave your hand over them now." Watching as the children do so, he smiles at the "Ahhs" he hears as the plates fill with potato crisps, small baked pastries and cookies. The children seem to be enjoying the treats. As the door opens, everyone watches as the three tier birthday cake arrives.

"Look at that! A miniature Quidditch field is the top! It even has players flying around!" One of the boys exclaims.

"Welcome to the party, children. Draco, as host you are going to cut the cake. But first, we light the candles." Severus calls, holding his wand over the three Quidditch goals on the cake. As he lights each goal candle, each shoots letters up in the air which arrange themselves to spell out "Happy Eleventh Birthday Draco" in sparkling, flashing gold and red. As the guests sing "Happy Birthday", Draco cuts the cake and Severus begins passing around the plates.

After the children finish eating, Draco is escorted by Harry to the gifts table. "Everyone come gather around if you wish to see Draco open his gifts." Harry calls to his schoolmates.

"I didn't bring him anything! Were we supposed to bring a gift?" Neville whispers to Ron.

Standing near enough to hear, Sirius replies quietly, "No boys. The gifts are from Severus, Harry and myself. Gifts weren't brought by students."

"Here Draco. Take this one wrapped in snitch paper! The snitches really fly! See?" Harry asks excitedly as he thrusts the box into Draco's hands.

"Merlin Harry! You trying to shove it into my chest? I'll open it just give me time." Draco complains.

"Sorry, it's from me and I'm anxious for you to see it." Harry apologizes after catching a scolding look from Sirius.

"I'm opening it. I just like to take time to look at the wrapping a little. Socks? Hmm, thanks Harry. Socks are necessary." Draco answers sounding dejected.

"These are not just socks. Put your hand down inside one of them."

"Oh! That's wicked! The stars flash!" George exclaims as Fred calls "Wear those to Transfiguration class Draco! That'd really stir up old McGonagall!"

"MISTER F. Weasley!" Severus scolds, arms crossed, eyes staring a hole in the boy.

"Err, sorry Professor Snape."

"Be respectful, young man or you can serve detention instead of attend this party!"

"Yes sir."

"Dad, please. It's a party not a classroom. Please don't be a professor today." Draco whispers to the man standing beside his chair.

"I'll try to remember, Dragon. Here is a gift from Sirius."

"Uncle Sirius! These are Professional Quidditch gloves! That's expensive! Thank you! I will be just like the Chuddly Cannon players with these!"

"You're welcome. Harry has another gift for you. You'd better open his before he passes out from excitement."

"Thanks Harry! I can't wait to try out these on my broom. What's this?" Draco asks moving the Broom Wings aside and picking up the playing cards.

"These are wicked, Drake! They are self shuffling and they glow in the dark! We could play at night without lanterns on."

"We'll try them tonight! Thanks for the gifts Harry and Uncle Sirius."

"Here you are son. Happy Eleventh Birthday!" Severus tells him, handing over a box wrapped in silver paper.

Opening the box, Draco pulls out a new pullover with his favorite team's logo on it.

"The Chuddly Cannons sweater! Thanks Dad!"

"Look in the box again, Dragon. There's more."

Finding an envelope, Draco opens is to pull out four tickets to a Quidditch minor league game. Reading from the ticket he says "Birmingham Barons, Semi professional Quidditch match, Birmingham, England on the twentieth. That's next Saturday! We're going to a game?"

"Yes, you, Harry, Sirius and I will go next Saturday. Do you like your gift?"

"I love it! Thank you, Dad! This will be just wicked!"

"Time for the games, everyone. First we have a pinata. Everyone gets a turn to attack it but watch out because it is a little different than usual." Sirius announces. Everyone arm yourselves with the special sticks and Draco goes first.

As Draco hits the dragon shaped pinata, it zooms off in another direction chasing one of the girls. Laughing the children chase it. Anyone that gets a hit makes the pinata zoom off in a different direction often chasing a child. Finally Draco having been told by Sirius how to open it comes over to where Harry, Ron, Fred and George have the pinata trapped in a corner.

"I'll hit it, guys as you hold it still." Draco announces. Slapping it hard with the stick three times causing it to break open.

"Excellent teamwork boys. Now, I'll have a candy bag for each of you to take when you leave. For now, you'll find the makings of ice cream sundaes on this table. Enjoy your sundaes." Sirius tells them.

"We're making buggy sundaes, just look at the one already made and make your own." Harry tells his friends. As the children finish their sundaes, Harry and Draco start whispering to their friends. Asking each if they brought their wand and did as requested. At the nods, Harry says "Let's number off with odd numbers together and even numbers together. Draco is one, I'm two, Fred is three, now keep it going. Okay all even numbers come with me. It's time for Prank War!"

"Prank War?" Severus asks the man standing beside him wearing a huge grin.

"I sent a list of instructions for certain pranks to the kids. It's alright, they are all temporary." Sirius assures the worried father as Draco's hair suddenly turns bright pink!

"Uncle Sev! Help me! Draco's out to get me!" Harry calls, laughing as his cousin chases him out from behind the men.

"No fair, hiding behind The Dads! You know I can't do anything around them as I might prank them not you!" Draco calls as Harry rolls on the floor gasping from the tickling hex he sent.

"Stop it. Please Draco. I'm going to wet myself!" Harry calls breathlessly.

"I'll fix that, Harry. Aquamenti!" George calls pointing his wand at the wriggling boy.

"Good one, George! That makes ten points for our side!" Draco calls as he cancels the tickling hex on his now wet cousin.

"LEVIOSA!" The four boys hear behind them, spinning around they see the punchbowl hovering over their heads. Before they can stop it, the bowl tips spilling cold green punch all over them.

"Five points to the Even team. Good Job Hermione!" Sirius calls looking around at the children. Some were sporting polka dotted faces, some had multi colored hair, others were imitating large birds flapping their arms as they walk, Fred and Ron Weasley were wearing ice cream and gummy worms on their heads. Casting a quick scorgify charm, all the children were clean.

"My! What a lovely Prank War that was! Hermione, your talent with large punchbowls is astounding!" The children hear. Turning, they find a smiling Headmaster holding strange colored wands.

"It's time for my part of the party children. Here, each of you take a wand. When you point it, say "explode". Before we try them out, everyone move down to the open end of the room. Harry, dim the lanterns, please. Thank you. Now, watch the walls. Spotlight and Ball!" Dumbledore calls. Immediately the multi colored light shines on the revolving Mirror Ball causing the walls and floor to light up with rectangles of color.

"Oh! How pretty!" some of the girls exclaim.

"Alright children, point the wands and say EXPLODE." Dumbledore calls. Clapping his hands gleefully as the room is suddenly filled with all colors of floating, swirling confetti.

"A party needs music, Children." Clapping his hands again he calls "Music!" Harry and Draco begin to dance as the song 'Footloose' begins. Having seen the film, the boys mimic the dancing easily. Their schoolmates are clapping and cheering them on as they watch.

"Come on everyone, dance!" Dumbledore calls clapping his hands again at the word 'dance'. The children burst into hysterical giggles as they see Sirius and Severus twirling around the room wearing ballet shoes and pink tutus. Unbeknownst to the men, Dumbledore hexed them earlier that afternoon with a hex triggered by his clapping at the word dance.

As the men twirl to chairs and collapse, Draco calls out "LET'S DANCE!" and everyone begins moving to the beat of the song. Harry and Draco singing along

"Footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me offa my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues, now everybody cut footloose.

Loose, footloose kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise pull me offa my knees
Jack, get back c'mon before we crack
Lose your blues, everybody cut,
everybody cut, everybody cut FOOTLOOSE!"

(Song Lyrics from Footloose by Kenny Loggins)