Hi all! Welcome to Chapter Two of Water Worries. This is a story request from a lovely person called xxxRainLoverxxx, so credit to the idea goes to her. She is a very talented writer but unfortunately due to negative reviews she no longer likes to post her stories which is a true shame for everyone. This story is complete and is Thirteen Chapters long, updates should be weekly unless something drastic happens.
Summary: Harry has a fear of water, when his nightmares manage to get even Ron's attention Ron comes up with a plan for how to keep Harry's mind off the second task. What happens when they go too far? AU. Contains Spanking. No Slash.
Warning: Story contains parental spanking of a teenager, if this isn't your cup of tea, don't read it.
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor have I ever, owned Harry Potter – as much as I'd like to I sadly do not. I did not make any money from this story, and I don't intend too. All characters and recognisable things belong to JK Rowling not me – as sad as that is for me.
A huge thank you to my wonderful Beta Jules Ann, who is again herself a very talented writer on here. Though she doesn't know Harry Potter, I am slowly trying to convert her.
~o~
After their first successful prank, Harry and Ron were in good spirits as they bid goodbye to the rest of the Weasleys and headed up to the North Tower for Divination. Hermione gave them a slightly reproving look as they declared they would plan more in class but held her tongue due to how much she disliked Professor Trelawney. The boys waved off her concerns as they climbed their way up to what they were sure must be the highest classroom.
Whilst Trelawney flitted from student to student, Harry and Ron bent over a piece of parchment, carefully jotting down any prank, or just plain fun, plans they could come up with. Some were definitely not practical, and others were all but impossible – despite how fun they might be – but a small handful just might be worth exploring. Eventually Trelawney called on them and they had to pay attention, but the list went securely into Ron's bag.
At the end of classes, they had so much homework that there was no chance to re-examine their list until long after dinner. Sitting in the Common Room, Ron dug out the now fairly crumpled list, ignoring Hermione's eye roll and sniff as she pointedly stuck her nose into her Arithmancy book.
Without the fogging effect of Trelawney's heavily perfumed room, some of the ideas seemed more ridiculous than funny and definitely impossible. It did give them both a good laugh as they went through the list and crossed the unmanageable ideas out. "I dunno, I think Snape might actually look good with pink hair, might make the greasy git smile. Though that in itself might be terrifying rather than funny… yeah definitely cross that one off, I'd rather not have nightmares about Snape smiling at me," Ron pointed out giving a shudder at the thought.
Hermione slapped her Arithmancy book down on the table, "oh honestly! You better not be planning to do even half of these ridiculous ideas, you'll be expelled!" She scolded them.
Ron snorted derisively, "don't be ridiculous Hermione. You don't get expelled from Hogwarts for pulling pranks," he rolled his eyes.
"Luckily for us," Fred declared as he jumped over the back of the sofa and flopped onto it next to Hermione.
"Or we'd have been expelled years ago!" George finished as he copied his twin, sitting himself on the other side of Hermione.
Hermione threw her hands up in despair and left the laughing boys, going to her dorm room, muttering angrily under her breath.
Fred and George had several useful bits of advice for Harry and Ron, advising them just where they could get some things, adding a few more realistic ideas for their list and helping them cross off some of the impractical ones. Hours later, armed with much more detailed plans for several pranks, including one that was going to start tomorrow which Fred and George were more than happy to join them in, Ron and Harry headed up to bed.
Harry woke up abruptly, his heart thudding in his chest as he gasped for air. Another nightmare, this one a memory he had previously forgotten about. The only time Harry had previously gone swimming, when he'd gone with his class during primary school. He closed his eyes and tried to vanish the all too real image of Dudley's laughing face, as he and his friends had tried hard to hold his head under the heavily chlorinated water. He had kicked and scrabbled as much as he could, twisting and squirming, but there were too many other boys, and he was very small and very skinny. The edges of his already very blurry and terrible vision had started to go black, as his lungs screamed for air and he fought hard not to open his mouth, knowing he'd only inhale water. The urge to breathe became too much and he inhaled, the water rushing into his mouth and lungs. It had truly started to seem like he was actually going to drown, when suddenly someone grabbed his arm and was pulling him up. There was a lifeguard scolding his cousin and his gang, whilst another had a firm hold on him and was slapping his back firmly, allowing him to cough up the water he had inhaled. It had been a disastrous end to a whole hour of Dudley and his gang attempting to drown him, and he had not gone back in the water. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had refused to accept Dudley had done anything wrong, and Harry had been allowed to sit out of all future swimming lessons.
Harry wanted to kick himself as he mentally tried to force himself to get a grip. He was fourteen, he shouldn't be falling to pieces over a stupid memory-based dream. His hands shook as he tried hard to control his breathing, feeling like a stupid child getting this distressed over a nightmare. A sudden terrifying thought had Harry's head whipping around towards Ron's bed, it was bad enough his friend had caught him yesterday morning, he would be humiliated if Ron caught him again. To his immense relief, Ron was snoring away, along with the rest of his roommates. He let himself flop back onto his mattress and stared up at the canopy of his four-poster bed. A slight glance towards the window showed him the slowly rising sun, he fumbled on his bedside table for his glasses and wand and cast a quick tempus charm. It was very early, far too early to mirror Sirius. Annoyingly, Harry was still too shaken to go back to sleep, he got up and moved over to the window. He sat himself in the little alcove he had found in his first year, it was a bit of a squeeze now, but he could still fit, just about, and he could watch the sunrise. He allowed himself a small smile when Hedwig appeared as if summoned, and he let her land on his shoulder, stroking her beautiful feathers gently.
A few hours later his dormmates finally started to stir, so Harry opened the window for Hedwig and let her fly out before he made his way into the showers. He was tired, but as Ron joined him, he remembered their plans for today. His anticipation for the prank and Ron's excitement chasing away the lingering tiredness he felt from his disturbed night.
By the time all the boys came out of the showers they were in high spirits, each grabbing their normal casual clothes and casting colour changing charms at them. Harry was hugely relieved that Sirius had introduced him to making owl orders via wizarding magazines. He now had a full wardrobe of casual clothes and wizarding robes and he'd been able to burn all of Dudley's cast offs. He'd been willing to pay for it all himself, but according to Sirius, the Goblins didn't care about Wizarding affairs, Sirius was a customer so he could access his vault all he wanted. He insisted that since he was Harry's Godfather, or rather Dogfather as he had come to refer to himself as, it was his responsibility to take care of his needs and clothes were one of those needs.
Once they all pulled on their brightly coloured casual clothes, they searched out the extra items they wanted to wear. Ron grabbed his Gryffindor winter hat, Harry put on one of his seeker gloves, Dean pulled on a West Ham United baseball cap, Seamus grabbing his shamrock hat from the Quidditch World Cup, and Neville pulled on one of his dragonhide gloves. Once dressed, they picked up the badges Fred and George had made for them and pinned them to their tops.
The badges read S.A.U.C.E and underneath (Students Against the Uniform Code Evermore) and all five of the boys were giggling, slightly nervously. They headed down to the Common Room, finding Fred and George dressed extremely strangely, sat at a table, and making more badges for their fellow Gryffindors. Either Fred or George, Harry wasn't entirely sure which, had borrowed a skirt from someone and was happily wearing the bright pink swishy skirt along with a very tight turquoise sequined top, the outfit completed with a large purple flowery bonnet. The other twin was dressed in a pair of what looked like dragonhide trousers with one leg charmed white and the other black, the girls blouse he was wearing was also half black and half white, and he was wearing elbow length gloves, one white and one black. About half of the Gryffindors were dressed in their own clothes, or colour charmed clothes, Lee Jorden was right with the twins, wearing a deep red, silky, floor length, dress along with a black feather boa.
Hermione looked up and looked almost apoplectic as she whirled on Harry and Ron, "I suppose this is all your genius idea!" She scolded.
Ron and Harry shared a grinning look, "yup," Ron declared proudly, puffing out his chest.
"Well, I do hope you feel as good when you're all in detention!" Hermione growled.
"Calm down Hermione, they can't put half a house in detention," Ginny insisted. She was wearing a pair of orange jeans, a neon green skirt, a blue t-shirt, and a bright yellow vest top, along with a pink and purple camo cloak. "Besides, I think this is a great idea, and a lot of fun!" She laughed.
Harry had to admit he was impressed with Ginny's outfit, compared to her, his purple jeans, blue and orange stripped shirt, and black dragonhide boots looked a little plain.
Hermione's face went red with anger, "well don't blame me when Gryffindor loses all our house points," she stated. She marched out of the Common Room, nose in the air, almost slamming the portrait door behind her.
Finally, Fred and George had made enough badges for everyone, "remember guys, and girls, we're protesting uniforms," George started.
"And under Hogwarts rules, a formal peaceful protest is allowed," Fred insisted.
"So, you can argue against any point losses," George continued.
"And any threats of detentions," Fred put in.
"Unless it's Snape giving them out, then all bets are off!" The twins chimed together.
Harry was rather relieved that he didn't have potions today, he was quite sure Snape would be all too happy to take away all the points Gryffindor had, just out of spite.
Together the dressed up Gryffindors walked down to the Great Hall, Fred, George, Ron, Harry, and Ginny leading the march. "Go on then boys, make our entrance," Fred urged.
Harry and Ron shared and look before they strolled through the doors to the Great Hall. Harry, for once, did not feel uncomfortable feeling all the eyes on him, knowing they were looking at him simply because of what he, Ron, and the large crowd behind him were wearing.
Dumbledore, his blue eyes sparkling, stood from his seat, looking down the long length of his crooked nose at his brightly dressed students. "To what do we owe this very colourful display?" He asked genially.
Harry and Ron shared a look before stepping forward together. "We are S.A.U.C.E," Ron declared, holding up his badge.
"Students against the uniform code evermore," Harry explained.
"We feel the uniform code represses individualism and creativity," Ron pointed out.
"So, we are making a peaceful formal protest," Harry continued.
McGonagall's lips were almost as thin as Harry had ever seen them, and Snape looked very much like he was planning on cutting them all up for potions ingredients. Dumbledore however looked greatly amused, "well then S.A.U.C.E, feel free to continue your protest, though I think you'll find the uniform code will remain as is. Now, let us return to breakfast, you all need a good meal to see you through to lunch time," he decreed.
Fred, George, and Ginny all shared a high five and the Gryffindors went to their table, talking together excitedly.
Ron and Harry found seats opposite Hermione and grinned at her.
Hermione pointedly ignored Ron and Harry, pressing her book closer to her face as she slightly aggressively stabbed a sausage onto her fork.
"Oh, come on Hermione, lighten up, Dumbledore has given his approval so you can't seriously still be annoyed at us," Ron pointed out.
Hermione just gave a disapproving huff and turned the page of her book sharply.
Harry and Ron shared a look and shrugged, neither of them particularly bothered by Hermione's obvious disapproval. Hermione frequently disapproved of a lot of the things they did, especially what she considered unnecessary rule breaking, despite the fact she'd broken many rules herself.
The Hall was a lot noisier than it usually was during a weekday breakfast, owning very much to the table of brightly dressed Gryffindors. Harry had nearly finished his own breakfast when a familiar third year tapped him on the back. "Hi Harry! Dennis and I are joining in your prank! We think it's brilliant!" Colin Creevey informed his hero brightly.
Harry gave Colin a slightly awkward smile, "right, thanks Colin," he acknowledged trying to ignore Ron attempting to stifle his sniggers.
"If you have any other ideas count us in!" Colin finished before he directed his brother out of the Great Hall.
Ron burst into laughter, "oh Harry, we'll do anything you say! We're your number one fans and the leaders of the Harry Potter Fan club," he teased putting on a squeaky voice.
Harry flushed red embarrassed, "shut it Ron," he groaned.
"At least Ginny has finally stopped hero worshipping you and can actually have a conversation with you, that was getting really weird," Ron pointed out.
Harry glanced up the table where Ginny was sitting and joking around with her twin brothers. "Yeah, the Yule Ball would have been really awkward if she still could only talk in squeaks and kept running away from me," he grinned wryly.
Ron finished the last of his own breakfast and looked at Hermione, "are you going to ignore us all day, or are you coming to class with us?" He asked her.
Hermione finally lowered her book, "I think what you are doing is really immature, Harry has more important things he should be concentrating on," she started.
"Hermione, I know what I'm going to do for the next task, I have a good plan. There's nothing more I can do to prepare, stressing any more about it is just going to drive me balmy," Harry started.
"And you're already pretty balmy mate," Ron chimed in amused.
"Thanks Ron," Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes. "We're just having a bit of fun and not doing any harm. We aren't trying to do anything to get into trouble, just messing about," he pointed out.
Hermione's expression softened slightly, "you won't be deliberately breaking rules?"
"Nah, detention kind of spoils the fun," Ron pointed out.
"Fine, just don't expect me to join you in any of this nonsense," Hermione gave in.
"Hermione Granger, engage in nonsense and pranks, Snape will award one thousand points to Gryffindor first," Ron smirked.
"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected automatically.
"That's our Hermione," Harry laughed.
The trio left the Great Hall together and headed for their first class of the day.
McGonagall had peered down her nose disapprovingly when all her fourth-year male lions came into her class dressed outrageously. She gave an approving nod to Miss Granger, at least she was dressed in her correct uniform. She made no mention of their inappropriate dress and began her lesson, pointing out how important this spell would be for their O.W.L's next year.
The Gryffindors' unusual attire stopped gaining quite so many looks and stares by lunchtime, and even Hermione warmed up enough to admit it did look rather amusing. They all stayed dressed in their odd assortment of clothes all day and were in high spirits indeed when they arrived in the Great Hall for dinner. There were still a few murmurs at their appearance, but most had gotten used to the oddness, the mutterings were mostly coming from the foreign students.
Once everyone was sat at dinner, Dumbledore rose, "I will not take you from your much needed dinner, but I do hope you will not mind listening with one ear to an old man's waffle," he began. "We have had the delights of seeing the various members of the illustrious S.A.U.C.E protesting today, and whilst I am certain that they stand for a truly noble cause, it is my sad duty to inform them the uniform code will remain as it is. It is also my regretful duty to inform the impressively dressed members of S.A.U.C.E that they must return to their usual uniforms and keep their protests to the weekends. Though protesting itself is not against our rules, disrupting classes is, and I have been informed by several members of staff that your most brilliant attires do indeed disrupt class," he told them.
The Gryffindors, led by Fred, George, and Ginny, all stood up and booed, Harry and Ron joining in with huge grins.
"Yes, yes, I understand this is very disappointing, however rules are rules, and you break these rules at your own peril. I look forward to seeing many of you continuing your noble quest to outlaw uniforms over the weekends," Dumbledore finished. He sat back down and went back to his dinner casually.
Back in the Common Room, Harry and Ron were once again bent over their list of things they could do for fun. They had a good number of things they could not do until they could take a trip down to Hogsmeade to get the supplies needed. Though they were keen to start the next prank, they wisely decided it was perhaps best to leave at least a day or so between them, especially since some required at least a little prior planning.
~o~
So, there you go, that was Chapter Two. I'm really pleased with the response to chapter one and hope you enjoyed this one too! Please review to let me know what you thought. I really hope you enjoy this story as I certainly had a lot of fun writing it! A slice of Molly Weasley's Treacle tart for those who do review!