HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2024!

Harry Does Different DVIII

Bubblehead

Sitting in the Great Hall during breakfast, the entire school was delighted when squawks came through the roof. Dozens of owls entered; each with a package for his or her witch or wizard. A tar-black owl landed near a green-eyed wizard's breakfast plate; currently just containing an unbuttered slice of toast. He jumped at the sight of a red envelope. He'd seen such, compliments of his redhaired friend. He drew his wand "Bloody hell!" and paused.

"Better open it Potter." Seamus Finnegan, fellow Gryffindor and current enemy, gloated "Remember what Neville said? Things are awful when you don't. Hehheh." The rest of the table held their collective breath.

Harry glared at him "You're a real son-of-a-witch Finnegan. Well make it a B." everyone knew what he meant by that.

"H-A-R-R-Y-P-O-T-T-E-R H-O-W D-A-R-E…?' this was as far as the big red paper mouth got.

The howler target spun his wand and stabbed, chanting "Oxygeni Bulla" The howler itself continued to move its red lips in all its violent apparent shouting. But, not a sound was heard. Nothing at all.

"Wha'd'yu'du?" Neville was just the first with the question out of his mouth. Essentially identical ones quickly spread through the Hall, even other tables.

Professor McGonagall was fast approaching, but the part-goblin Charms teacher got there fractionally sooner "No one has ever silenced a howler before, Potter. I did not catch the spell or movement. Please, elucidate."

"Call it my homage to Cedric, Professors." He did not dare show it had been an act of pure desperation, and explained "First Task. Rescued Cho with the bubblehead charm. If he could breathe with it, I figured it'd trap noise inside."

Hermione looked, at first offended, then awed "Harry! You just invented a totally original use for a spell. No one, I am sure, thought of doing such a thing."

"While Miss Granger is well-read for a student" Flitwick interjected "rather more authoritative on the subject as I am, I can confirm the novelty of the idea. And there are sufficient witnesses to pass along to the Department of Mysteries for formal inclusion in the Book of Spells. The first in years. And the youngest in …well… have to confess I am not entirely sure."

To this, Seamus complained "Bloody git, like his shit don't stink!"

"That is enough of that Mr. Finnegan. Ten points from Gryffindor for your language." The Head of House snapped as she approached her table. She then gave a rare smile "That Mr. Potter managed to develop a brand-new use for a centuries- old spell at the drop of a hat is remarkable. Fifty points to Gryffindor, likely more if this is certified. Well done."

Not deigning to even stand, Professor Snape commented "Just what the brat needs. More attention."

"I perhaps cannot take points from you, Severus." Professor McGonagall spun on her colleague "However, I can take five points from Slytherin." She gave a dramatic, allowing everyone a sigh of relief, before adding "For each student who laughed." The scoreboard, quite public, which read a currently second place 252 drained away over an agonizing, for Slytherin, minute-and-a-half; to a mere 42 points. The other Houses were wise enough to not cheer, then.

Harry felt so deeply pleased with himself he just sat there and smiled. Finally acknowledging his benefactors "Thank you Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick." Then smirking in the direction of Ron's twin brothers, added "And please, Mr. Finnegan, pass along my thanks to your Mum for making it all possible."

"Well!" Professor McGonagall actually beamed "Then ten points to you, Mr. Finnegan, for your contribution to this affair. And Mr. Potter, an additional five for your humility and grace. Many a child's head would swell at such an achievement."

Seamus shot Harry an ugly glare, then smiled in acknowledgement "Thank you Professor. I should go. Mention this to Mum." The other Gryffindor's gait as he departed showed little pleasure at the outcome.