Chapter 24: all bets are on
Thousand Sunny: Children's Quarters
Harry finally relaxes within the Children's Quarters of the Thousand Sunny, accompanied with his friends, both in the crew and at school. They hang out in the children's quarters so they can get some privacy, away from prying eyes and ears from certain people on board the Sunny, like Malfoy, his two goons and the other Slytherin who had to come aboard and bother him and his friends. The Quarters are one of a few places that no one is allowed to enter unless they have permission, such as the workshops and the channel chambers where the DFD currently resides. So, the certain lot from the Gryffindor House were given that special permission to enter the Quarters, much to Malfoy's protest and dismay.
Lucky him, Harry can relax and hang out with all of his friends without being bothered by the pale blonde prat and the other Slytherins, sure he's got the common room which granted him the same privacy but it's not the same like the Sunny he grew up in. He leans back on his seat while enjoying his glassful of cola, Seamus and Dean join in with their own fizzy beverage, being muggle adjacent they are accustomed to the drink for they also drink it, certain brands mind you. Hermione, being raised by parents who were dentists, she hardly has the privilege of drinking cola but wouldn't mind a taste, just one time.
Ron and Neville are unfamiliar to the dark fizzy beverage as it's a muggle drink, but when they taste it, they were delighted by it's flavour and would compare it to giggle water, albeit non-alcoholic.
Beside the Gryffindors, the new generation are also enjoying the cola Franky brewed, along with the snacks that come with it. Tom always like his father's Cola, especially when the Cyborg Shipwright masters his brewing experience throughout the years. Even Yassop who sips through a straw while chatting with Neville.
The Girls; Belle, Bachina, and Sora are conversing and laughing as thy enjoy their own glasses. Harry smiles as he enjoys the company of his old and new friends on his day off, but despite the leisure it's doesn't stop the fact that he's exhausted, both physically and mentally after weeks of hard work.
"You look knackered, mate," said Ron noticing Harry's discomfort
"I am" said Harry sighing in exasperation, "can you imagine what it's like? Flying in the heavy rain? Catching golf balls fired by Usopp? Dodging bludgers punted by Fred and George? I swear the incoming game is going to be the death of me."
"Oh, don't be such a baby," said Belle drinking her glass of cola through a straw. "I heard that the pitch is enchanted by the Spongify spell, so you won't get hurt if you did fall off your broom."
"You're just saying that because you're hoping that I do fall off" Harry leers at his sister.
Belle leers back and confronts her brother "And what if I do? It'll be a laugh."
"Y-You're not serious about wishing harm on you brother, r-right?" said Neville in shock
"Of course not," Belle said in feign shock for such an accusation. "Now why would you think that?"
"...you placed a betting pool on the incoming match, haven't you?" Harry narrow's his eyes in suspicion.
"Betting Pool?" said Ron
"Ugh, it's the Davy Back Fight with the Charlotte Anglais all over again" Harry palmed his face with annoyance.
"I have no idea what you're talking about" said Belle, acting innocent but Harry isn't buying it. Belle is so like her mother, scheming and mad with money.
"Cut the crap, I know that heap of 200 million Beri didn't come out of nowhere." Said Harry
"I'm confused, what's the Davy Back Fight?" said Ron
"It's a pirate event where to two pirate crews would challenge each other in a series of games, and when one crew wins, they get to take what the opposing crew has, be it treasure or one of the crew. But in that one, I challenged Charlotte Anglais to a bike ride though a small village in the hopes of owning his motorbike. I won, but only because Belle here discreetly tossed a tack which punctured Anglais's front tire. It turned out that she formed a betting Pool to see who would win. Taking advantage of the loyalty of the Charlotte family betting on their brother. She made and won 200 million Beris. Anglais accused me of cheating, which I denied but the moron doesn't believe me and invoked another challenge in a form of a boxing match."
"When was this?" said Dean
"The incident was 5 years go." Said Harry "I was 6 and he was 17"
"17?!" exclaimed the Gryffindor boys, Harry fought a 17-year-old when he was 6.
"You challenged a teenager when you were 6!" said Seamus in chock.
"I did lots of things when I was 6," said Harry "And I kicked his ass, earning me a legit win. Belle didn't meddle for she didn't need to. She knew how good I was in a fight thanks to the teaching of Sanji's Black Leg Style and Jimbei's Fishman Karate. Plus, Dad's Freestyle fighting helped too."
"What did you win?" said Ron
"The idiot wanted Anglais to apologise for accusing him of cheating." Said Belle in a scoff. "He could've gotten anything. Money, toys, sweets, even that dumb motorbike he wanted off Anglais. But no, he wanted an apology."
"And who's fault is that?" said Harry to his Sister. "When I crossed the line while Anglais stumbled off his bike when that tack conveniently popped his tire, that victory was tainted so I didn't take the prize. And to make matters worse, he went and accused me for dropping it on his path, thinking I cheated to win."
"Oh, come on, you would've done the same," said Belle
"Er, no. I don't cheat." Said Harry "Games are pointless if you win easily, it's the thrill and risk of gaining that win if the changes are either with or against you."
"And yet you asked for Anglais to a apologise as a prize."
"I'm still proud and I do not want him accusing me of cheating to be the last words from him." Said Harry as he returns to his friends. "Of course, he was stubborn and refused to. Fortunately, Katakuri came and made him apologise to me and settle it once and for all. Anglais was furious that he had to say sorry to me, but it didn't matter for I got my apology and went our separate way...he never challenged me to a Davy Back Fight after that, nor did any of his brothers and sisters. It made the Straw Hat's Relationship with the Charlotte Family...awkward afterwards, all because SOMEONE HAS TO BE SO BLOODY GREEDY!"
"Oh screw you, Harry!" said Belle, flipping the bird at her brother. "You know, I have about 79 galleons on you winning that match, most of the Slytherins were betting that you'd fall off that broom you got in the first 5 minutes. And you know what, I hope you do fall off and cost me that bet so I can kill you later."
"I hope not, I had a Galleon riding on you catching that snitch," said Seamus said Harry
"Serious, Seamus?" said Harry when he learned that Seamus made a bet on him to win.
"I had 25 Sickles on you giving Gryffindor the win" said Dean
"You too, Dean?" said Harry at Dean.
"Sorry mate, I'd be a fool not too." Dean shrugs his shoulders at Harry.
"Has anyone else placed a bet on me to win the match?"
No one said anything but they hesitantly raised their arms high to confirm their involvement in Belle's betting pool, much to Harry's disbelief.
"You too Neville?" said Harry
"I just wanted to fit in, plus I do believe in you Harry," said Neville with a nervous smile.
Harry exclaimed in exasperation and turns to snarl at Belle.
"What?" said Belle looking at Harry
"When did you do this?"
"...Since you...you know," said Belle hesitantly
"When I joined the team?" said Harry assumed, earning a nod from his sister. Then a deadpan expression is formed on his face. "And does mum know."
"Y-Yeah, she knew." Said Belle with a nervous chuckle. "She even betted on you to win, she even let the crew and the Professors in on it. McGonagall disapproves this but considering that she personally placed you on the team, it would be hypocritical of her for not joining, with reluctance of course."
"And how much are you earning from this?" said Harry crossing his room."
"Well..." said Belle as she pulls out a notebook and starts reading the written page. "I have about 20 Galleons from approximately 30 Slytherins, from 1st to 7th years betting against you. Flitwick betted 1 Galleon and 10 Sickles on you, McGonagall bet 8 Sickles on you, Sprout bet 18 Sickles against you (she said it's likely that you're still inexperienced on a broom so no hard feelings). Same for Sinistra, Vector and Snape( though I doubt he's concerned for your safety), each betting 10 sickles against you. A sickle on you from Hagrid (which is reasonable given his living conditions.) And Headmaster Dumbledore doesn't bet in monetary means but will give Gryffindor 50 points to any of the team who wins so, that's that. My math on still off on this new monetary system, but I can assume that it's about 100 Galleons...more or less."
"Give me that, you're always bad at math." said Harry snatching from Belle and skims through it. "it's a wonder you can still estimate when money is involved, you can't figure out how much cargo is needed for a 5 months at sea."
"Hey, maths is boring, you know that" said Belle with a pout.
"And how are you going to get that amount of money?" said Harry "And who did mum let you do this?"
"It worked the first time," said Belle
"The first time was you taking advantage of the Charlottes' loyalty to each other and then cheated," said Harry "Then, the next time, you conned Buggy to a fixed game of Liar's Dice."
"Which he also cheated himself with loaded dice." Belle said in defence. "Technically he cheated first."
"Oh yeah, it was very shocking when he outed you as a Liar when you said you said 12 sixes" said Harry rolling his eyes sarcastically. "We had to get you outta there when we found out that Buggy was a lousy loser. Even Mr.3 and Alvida had to restrain him and help us escape from his outburst."
"I still won" said Belle shrugging her shoulders
"That isn't the point, Belle," said Harry "You're gambling schemes are gonna get you into deep trouble which you won't get out of. I blame mom for this."
"Yeah, well you're no saint either" said Belle. "While you go out and pull your heists around the world with your Blink-Blink fruit. I had to catch up and make a name for myself, building a nest egg for myself so that one day I'll be out at sea with my own crew, my own ship, making my own adventures."
The argument between brother and sister has caused some awkwardness around everyone, and some amusement, especially when Seamus, Dean, and Tom just stay there enjoying their cola and snacks, while Ron, Neville, Banchina, Yassop and Sora stayed silent during the drama.
"I don't know why, but I'm having a good time here," Dean said to Seamus.
"Oh, trust me," said Tom tucking his shades and taking swigs from his cola. "Nothing gets boring here on board the Sunny."
"...And don't get me started with you faked your age at the Rain Dinners Casino, convincing Auntie Bonney to use her Age-Age Fruit on you so that you look 21." Harry rambles on. "Seriously? How is that place still running after Crocodile got arrested? He owned and ran the place while Alabasta was in a civil war."
"It was obviously bought and reopened after that scandal" said Belle rolling her eyes. "Besides, it was a successful trip with me winning 500 million Beris."
Harry had quite enough as he palmed his face.
"I want half the cut."
"Excuse me?" said Belle
"You heard me," said Harry "You bet on me, without my consent, so I want 50%, plus the motorbike you owed me"
"W-What, no way!" said Belle
"Do it, or I'll tell mom about the Dressrosa incident"
"You wouldn't" said Belle with a dangerous frown.
"What's the Dressrosa incident?" said Ron
"Well, it's..."
"ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!" exclaimed Belle so she can stop her brother from telling. "50% of the winnings will go to you, as promised."
"And the motorbike?"
"And the stupid motorbike, I'm sure Franky can commission one for me." Said Belle with a seething mutter.
"You swear?" said Harry as he spits on his palm and hands it to Belle
Belle hesitates and grimaced before spitting on her own palm and clasp tight onto Harry's hand.
"As Davy Jones and Nika as our witness, I swear to hold my end on the agreement, or so help me I'll pay the consequence when you tell mum what I did in Dressrosa."
"Good" said Harry as remove his hand and takes out a handkerchief to wipe his palm clean. "I'll hold you on that."
"I hate you," Belle grumbles as she cleans her hand also.
Later
It was afternoon and the Sunny returned to moor by the Boathouse after sailing around and across the Black Lake. The small ride was a pleasant one for the students, the fresh air and slight swaying of the ship was nice change from the still stuffy interior of the castle, especially when the students use that time a board doing their homework and conversing with their friends. But it's not just doing homework, lounging and listening to music that went going on the voyage, they also play an assortment of games as well. Games like Gobstones, Wizard Chess, even spell casting are allowed for both academic and entertaining purposes just as long as they're responsible with their wands. You would find groups form around in a circle, watching two students duel up with a Prefect acting as referee.
You would find students have fun with all assortment of wizard treats from Honeydukes. Apart from earning wizard cards from a box of Chocolate Frogs or playing roulette with Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, you would find students hover off the ground by eating "Fizzing Whizzbees", blow fire from their mouths after eating Pepper Imps, or imitate animal noises from a type of Animal cracker called "Elephant in a Bicycle".
But among the fun from the happy and relaxation from those aboard the Sunny, a certain student isn't having any fun at all. Draco Malfoy, after the humiliating lawsuit between his family and the Straw Hat he was forced to behave whenever he comes aboard the Sunny. And why would he come aboard a pirate ship if he's not having fun? Well 2 reasons, the first reason is that the other Slytherins are curious about the Straw Hats and their pirate ship mooring by Hogwarts and wanted to see what's so special about it, to their surprise they found the pirates immensely fun, and being on the ship equally so. Malfoy only joined along with his fellow Slytherins just so he wouldn't be left out and get humiliated by not coming along because he's "scared" by his fellow classmates. The 2nd reason of coming aboard is because of one person: Harry Potter.
Potter is becoming quite popular in Hogwarts ever since he returned after his alleged death which the Ministry declared him so, and Malfoy is getting sick of it. Hatred and Jealousy plagued his mind, and even if he denied it, it still sticks on him like tar in a smoker's lung.
And to make things worse for him, his goons Crabbe and Goyle are joining in with the festivities with their fellow Slytherins, leaving Malfoy to wallow in his own misery. Malfoy continues to brood on his own, leering at a certain door of the Children's Quarters which apparently no one, unless they are friends of Potters, can enter.
"What's gotten you in such a bad mood?"
Malfoy turns his head to see who was speaking to him, it's a Slytherin Girl with long blond hair, green eyes, a light complexation and compared pretty to the other first-year Slytherin girls.
"What do you want, Daphne?" said Malfoy
Daphne Greengrass scowls at the rudeness Malfoy has given her, she crossed her arms and stares back at him.
"Well, for starts an apology for your rudeness, after when I came here to see if you're alright," said Daphne. "And secondly, what are you planning?"
"Planning?" said Malfoy. "What are you on about?"
"You've been staring at that door ever since Potter went in" said Daphne. "Don't tell me you're still sore about him not being expelled or something."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Said Malfoy
"You take me for an idiot?" said Daphne "I know you tried to get Potter expelled after he wasn't for flying after you for taking Longbottom's remember-all. Or when you lied to him about that alleged wizards duel in the Trophy Room at midnight, and later tipped Filch off about students being there and braking curfew."
"You've been eavesdropping on me?" said Malfoy
"Don't flatter yourself, I just overheard you brag about how you got Potter into trouble and got away with it." Said Daphne "I just happen to be there when you said it."S
"I thought you weren't paying attention," said Malfoy
"I wasn't, but it's not easy trying to mute your obnoxious bragging," said Daphne "And I thought daddy was exaggerating when your dad did the same, only it was about him being a pure-blood."
"You should be proud of being a pure-blood, Greengrass," said Malfoy "Unlike Potter, who's obviously a half-blood, and raised by muggle pirates."
"Oh yes, the same Muggle pirates who wounded your family pride after that lawsuit Ms. Nami placed on you for vandalism" said Daphne as she pulls out a cut-out from last week's Daily Prophet, with the headline reads:
MALFOY HUMILIATED: STRAW HAT WON LAWSUIT AGAINST MALFOY FAMILY
By Rita Skeeta
(Moving Image: Nami, Usopp and Dumbledore leaves Wizangamot doors, Nami shakes Dumbledore's hand while Usopp sighs, wiping his forehead in relief. Lucius Malfoy leaves through the door later with a face of frustration and humiliation after losing the lawsuit to Nami.)
After seeing this cut-out, Malfoy tries to snatch the cutout from Daphne but the girl is too quick for him.
"Why do you have that?" said Malfoy
"Because I want to, I'm quite curious about those pirates who raised Potter." Said Daphne, "Plus, knowing that you and your family being knocked down from your gilded pedestal humours me."
Malfoy scoffs and looks away so he can once again gaze upon the door of the Children's Quarters.
"You know, leering isn't gonna summon him," said Daphne
"Go away, Greengrass!" Malfoy mutters through his clenched teeth.
"Fine, Tracey's feeling lonely without me anyway." Said Daphne as she leaves to regroup with her friend, another Slytherin girl by the name of Tracey Davis.
After Daphne leaves, Malfoy resumes with his brooding and leering at the door of the Children's Quarters. Suddenly the door opens and Harry exits it, catching Malfoy's attention. Malfoy stands from his seat and starts to confront Harry while the pirate Prince makes his way to the bulwark to watch the view of the Black Lake.
Harry sighs calmly, he just finished with his spat with Belle after learning she organised a betting pool for the incoming Quidditch match coming this November and he was annoyed in fact that she did it without his consent. After what happened with Charlotte Anglais 5 years ago, he was sceptical whenever he's being challenged to any other Davy Back fights with other rival pirates without Belle plotting behind his back. It was bad enough that he had to decline these challenges, which in turn damage his pride as the son of Straw Hat Luffy, but he refuses to be a pawn of Belle's get rich schemes.
"POTTER!" exclaimed Malfoy as he attempts to push Harry overboard, but what does Malfoy doesn't know is that Harry sensed his intention even without the yelling to warn him and sidestepped from Malfoy's attempt to shove him. This caught the attention of everyone as they stopped everything. Malfoy turn and leers angrily at Harry.
"What is your problem, Malfoy?" said Harry, "Are you trying to kill me?"
"So, what if I did?" said Malfoy, "I'm sick of it, ever since you got that Seeker position, everyone's talking about how talented you are."
"And who's fault is it that I became a Seeker?" said Harry crossing his arms and scoffs at Malfoy, "Or is that the problem, you want your share of the credit, you wanted everyone to know is that you're the reason why I became a Seeker, is that it?"
"W-What? N-no I..."
"You want credit, I'll give you some" said Harry as he then clear his throat. "May I have everyone's attention. I'm sure you all know how I became Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. But I wanted you all to know is that it wouldn't have been possible if Malfoy didn't steal Neville's Remember-all and flew off, goading me to chase him. So let us all give him a round of applause for making this special moment of my life happen. Come on, now, clap for him."
As Harry starts clapping, the students, mostly the Gryffindors joins in while a few among the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs join along, knowing well that the applause was just an act of mockery, and besides they never like Malfoy for his arrogant and harsh attitude towards them. This made Malfoy go pink, pink as much as he can, given his pale complexion, he knew very well that Harry was mocking him by using his crave of attention against him.
"Grr" Malfoy had quite enough and shoved Harry down onto the lawn covered deck, causing the clapping to stop until there is nothing but silence. "You dare mock me, Potter!"
"Just being honest here," said Harry calmly "I mean you did start it, and it turns out I'm quite the natural when it comes to flying."
Harry stands up and dust his robe of the blades of grass that stuck on, the deck does need mowing but that can wait for there is matter of Malfoy causing trouble on board the Sunny.
"Don't get cocky just because Professor McGonagall was impressed by your lucky shot, but don't think for a second you have a chance against the Slytherin Team. You're gonna fail in catching that snitch and fall off the broom in the first 10 minutes."
"Is that a fact?" said Harry "You bet on it?"
"I do," said Malfoy
"Oh, I know you did, Belle told me about the Betting Pool," said Harry as he turns to confront Malfoy face to face. "But how about we make this more interesting."
"What do you suggest?" said Malfoy
"Whoever wins the match, the loser must wear the winner's colours," said Harry causing everyone to gasp in shock.
"W-What?" said Malfoy taken back at what Harry just said.
"You heard me, if Gryffindor wins the match, you wear the Red and Gold, and if Slytherin wins, well you get the gist." Said Harry.
"...you're crazy, you wouldn't pull that off."
"I won't?" said Harry "or you won't?
"Are you calling me a coward?"
"You said it, not me" said Harry shrugging his shoulders. "But if you want to back off, I won't hold it against you."
"Now hold on just a second!" exclaimed Malfoy in protest. "There is no way I'm backing off from a bet from the likes of you. I'll accept, you have my word."
This caused Harry to laugh as if something was funny, causing Malfoy to look confused.
"And what's so funny?"
"You think I'll take your word for it?" said Harry with a scoff. "If I do win, you'd welsh on the deal."
"No, I wouldn't," said Malfoy
"Well forgive me if I don't believe you," said Harry "if we make this bet, it has to be official."
Malfoy is having a bad feeling about this, but doesn't show it as he saves face in front of Harry.
"And what do you suggest we do?" said Malfoy, albeit with hesitation for he's gonna regret this."
Later in Dumbledore's Office
WHY DID I AGREE TO THIS?! Malfoy mentally screamed for after returning to Hogwarts from his trip to the Sunny. He and Harry went to Dumbledore's Office to see the Headmaster about a bet on the Quidditch Match coming this November. After a brief explanation, Dumbledore took a moment to think about it while skimming through the school rule book about it, and to everyone's surprise, there is no rule against it for it's technically a dare than a bet due to it not involving money which is frowned upon in the school.
So out of technically, Dumbledore accepts it, for he found the concept humorous. He wrote a short summons for Snape and McGonagall to come to the office asap and later drafts a legally binding contract while he waits.
The two House Heads came to the office, wondering why they were summoned during class time, especially when they saw Harry and Malfoy sitting in front of the desk. Dumbledore explained the situation, and the two teachers were shocked by this.
"And you approve of this?" said Snape
"I looked over the rules, and it's fine," said Dumbledore with an amused smile. "Besides, it's just a bit of fun."
"It sounds unorthodox, I admit," said McGonagall, unsure about giving this bet the green light, but the more she thinks of it, the more she sees if as a harmless dare that has no repercussions to either of the two boys. Sure, they'll be humiliated in defeat and wearing their rival's house colours for a while, but it's nothing harmful about it and it'll be a lesson for them to learn through it. "Alright, go for it."
"Is this really necessary, Professor?" said Snape "I don't see the point in this childish nonsense."
"Oh, come now, Severus" said Dumbledore "It's just a bit of fun. And besides, we're all guilty for our own gambling on the incoming match, right?"
"I don't understand how Ms. Monkey D. convinced us to partake in her betting pool" McGonagall sighed with shame as she palms her face from it."
"She can be...very convincing, Professor." Said Harry with a sympathetic look at the witch. "I don't know how she does it, probably got it from mum, but it's very effective and very hard to back away."
"Hmm" said McGonagall with mild annoyance.
"Anyway, you two will be witnesses while I, as the official auditor makes this contract legally binding. It's a better substitute than an unbreakable vow, for I don't want to risk the lives of these two boys."
"Well, that's reassuring," said McGonagall, she doesn't like the concept of unbreakable vows, especially when the consequence of breaking said vows mean death.
"So, what are the terms of the contract?" said Snape, with mild curiosity.
"Well, I'm glad that you asked," said Dumbledore as he begins to read:
I, Harry James Potter and Draco Lucius Malfoy, hereby agree to the terms of this contract on behalf of a bet involving the incoming Quidditch match on the 7th November 1991. The terms of the bet states, whoever wins the Quidditch match, be it Gryffindor or Slytherin, the loser must wear the colours of the victor for 7 days. And must shouts out the cheering chant every morning and afternoon at the courtyard for 5 minutes.
Whoever break the terms, the offender must pay the penalty of having 500 house points taken from their house and must spend 7 days detention with the opposing House head.
"Now, do you all agree with the terms of the contract, boys?"
"I do" said Harry
"I-I...
"it's alright to back down, Mr Malfoy" said Dumbledore with a reassuring smile. "We won't hold it against you if you back down. It's not like it matters anyway."
"NO, I will not back down!" exclaimed Malfoy as he takes a quill and starts to write his name.
"No turning back now," said Harry as he also writes his name next to Malfoy's.
"And like that, the contract is made," said Dumbledore as he pulls out his wand and waves it at the two boys. "I will place an enchantment on you two, it will take affect when the Quidditch ends with the winning result."
When Dumbledore waves his wand, shimmers were formed all over the two boys, which they assume that their school robes will change after the match, taking the terms of the contract to effect.
"There, it's all official now, you can go now" said Dumbledore
"Thank you, Professor" said Harry as he sits up from his seat. "I appreciate you for doing this."
"The pleasure is mine," said Dumbledore smiling at Harry. "Rather inventive and I can't wait for the end result of the match."
"Even if it ends up with me wearing Slytherin Green and Silver for a Week and scream out "Slytherin, Slytherin, we are Great!" every morning and afternoon."
"Well, you better win if you don't want that, Mr. Potter" said Dumbledore, smiling calmly with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Right" said Harry as he takes his leave, leaving Malfoy to sit silent to reflect of the horrible mistake that he'll come to regret for the remainder of his first year: the 50/50 chance that he'll be wearing Gryffindor Red and Gold, and chant out "Go, Go, Gryffindor" for every morning and afternoon of the week.
Gryffindor Common room
After returning to the common room, Harry was immediately confronted by almost the entirety of the first years, along with Fred, George, Lee and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Ever since Harry declared that bet with Malfoy, they couldn't believe Harry is that crazy to risk his house pride when losing the match is possible.
Ron was distraught and couldn't believe Harry would do that, Hermione scoffed and tutted at what was considered nonsense. Seamus and Dean were in disbelief but couldn't help but smile and laugh at the humour of this, especially when the concept of Malfoy in Gryffindor colours is too much to pass on, the only regret they have is that they didn't pack a camera for that once in a life-time event.
Neville also found it amusing, but kept it to himself for he doesn't want Malfoy to take it out of him.
Parvati and Lavander were speechless, when they witnessed the bet declaration on board the sunny. They never thought either Harry or Malfoy would go for it and saw it a false bravado to save face. But when they left the Sunny for Dumbledore's office, they couldn't believe it. Plus, the thoughts of seeing Harry in Slytherin green and silver is controversial in their heads, for they can't decide if they should be disgusted...or attracted by it.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team were amazed at the bravery and stupidity that Harry pulled when he made that bet with Malfoy. Fred and George laughed while Wood however is concerned, for when the chance of losing is likely than winning, the bet would wound the Gryffindor pride even more when their newly appointed Seeker had to wear the colours of their rival.
Harry feels a bit overwhelmed by this much attention from his peers, especially with them bombarding him with questions relating to the bet he made with Malfoy, especially when he made if official with Dumbledore's approval. Fortunately Percy came by save the day, seeing Harry surrounded and crowded, he broke them up by flaunting his status as prefect and Head Boy, giving Harry some breathing room.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Percy asked the pirate prince.
"Yeah, thanks for that" said Harry, "Although I do owe them an explanation."
"Of course, but it'd be unfair for you to explain to an overwhelming number," said Percy as he adjusts his glasses after they slide down halfway from his nose. "Just take your time, start with your friends, your team can wait for another time."
"Got it, and thanks again Percy" said Harry as heads for the settees facing the lit fireplace, where Ron, Seamus, Dean and Neville are seated.
"Hey guys," said Harry as he takes a seat with his friends. "Sorry about that, shall we start over?"
"You are absolutely barmy; you know that mate?" said Ron "What were you thinking? Betting to wear Slytherin colours if we lose the match."
"Oh and accepting Malfoy's challenge to a Wizard Duel at midnight was a good idea?" said Harry with a deadpan expression. "There is a reason I came to Professor Dumbledore after I declared that bet. I want to make sure that Malfoy keeps his end without welshing it like coward."
"And what make you think he'll keep it?" said Seamus
"If he doesn't want to lose 500 house points and spend detention, he'll have no choice but to do it." Said Harry "Plus, he'll damage the pride of both Slytherin and his family if he does welsh the bet. Him no attending to the duel was evidence enough."
"You had it planned, huh?" said Dean
"Indeed," said Harry chuckling at how proud his own cunning takes him. "Besides, if I do lose the match, it'll be a fun craic."
"How is wearing the colours of Slytherin considered a fun craic" said Seamus, confused by Harry's meaning.
"Sure I'll be chanting the Slythering rally, but that doesn't mean I can't poke fun at it" said Harry with a cheeky smirk."
"You're...gonna mock Slytherin while you pay the penalty?" said Dean, he couldn't help but stifle a laugh and form a small smile.
"I may wear the green and silver, should we lose the match, but I'll always be a Gryffindor" said Harry
And like that, the boys started to laugh, well except Ron for he is still uneasy about the bet, especially when the concept of Harry dressed in Slytherin robes...sickens him."
"Oh lighten up, Ron" said Harry "You think as if we already lost the match."
"Harry's right", suddenly Fred and George came by when they're eavesdropping on the conversation. Ever since Percy broke them away from Harry, their curiosity regarding the bet with Malfoy still intrigues them and wanted to ask Harry about it. But given that their questions were already answered, they still wanted to know more from Harry.
"You need to lighten up, Ronny-kins" said Fred as he prod Ron's freckled cheek in a teasing way. Only for Ron to swat Fred's finger away.
"We saw Harry in action, he's a natural" said George "He could even but Charlie's skill to shame."
"By how in comparison?" said Ron
"Sorry, you just have to see it when the match comes." Said Fred, wagging his finger at his little brother. "But do try to have some faith in Harry, will ya."
"Yeah, even if we do somehow lose, it'll be funny for him to wear Slytherin robes." Said George.
"It's insulting..." said Ron
"Of course it's insulting, to Slytherin when Harry pokes fun at it." Said Fred before turning to Harry. "Right?"
"That's right, the terms of the contract doesn't say that I can't do that" said Harry. "And knowing Malfoy, it'll just be humiliating for he doesn't have a funny bone in his body. If he doesn't see the humour in this, that's his problem."
With Malfoy
"I can't believe I did that!" exclaimed Malfoy, pacing back and forth by the fireplace of the Slytherin Common Room.
After accepting the bet, only for Potter to make it official so that neither can weasel their way out of it, Malfoy is already regretting it, especially when Dumbledore placed a dormant charm which will turn either Harry or his robes into the opposite colours depending on which team loses the Quidditch match.
"Damn you Potter!" exclaimed Malfoy "You planned this, you knew this would happen."
"You had it coming when you foolishly accepted that dumb bet,"
Malfoy turns to face a set of couches where Daphne, Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson are seated. Daphne is just casually doing her homework, reading a book of charms which contains a certain spell she needs to learn. Crabbe and Goyle are there because they never leave Malfoy's side, as goons usually do. As for Pansy Parkinson, well she's just there and neither of the others care to ask, not even Daphne when the pug-faced girl started to retort in anger.
"Hey, can't you see that Draco's in distress." Said Pansy, angrily at Daphne
"And who's fault is that?" said Daphne rhetorically at Pansy. "Malfoy should've backed off and he wouldn't have gotten in the mess he's currently in."
"Which is unlikely," said Pansy, scoffing at Daphne, "There is no way Potter can catch that snitch, Terrance is the best in the team."
"Well I can't deny that Higgs is good, but everyone's saying that Potter will give Gryffindor the cup this year." Said Daphne
"Are you serious?" said Malfoy, disgusted and angry at what Daphne said, "You're taking Potter's side over me?"
"I'm not taking sides with anyone," said Daphne rolling at Malfoy's outrage and jealousy, "I'm just saying that Potter MAY have a chance of winning or not, depending on how good our team are. We just have to wait and see."
"We got to do something about this," said Malfoy
"We? This is your mess, Malfoy" said Daphne "Take responsibility and take it like a man."
Malfoy growled at Daphne and storms off to the dormitories, Crabbe and Goyle follows him immediately. Daphne rolled her eyes and resumes with her homework.
"That was uncalled for," said Pansy.
"Well he needed to hear it," said Daphne "ever since Potter started Hogwarts, its all he ever talks about it. He's just sour because Potter denied his hand in friendship, can't say I blame him."
"Why is that?"
"Surely, after spending over a month with him, wouldn't you want to be friends with him?" said Daphne with a raised brow at Pansy.
"Of course, I'd be honoured to be friends with Draco," said Pansy, "Why, the Malfoy and Parkinsons have been good friends for centuries."
"*sigh* typical" said Daphne, shaking her head and resumes with her homework. "Blood status isn't everything you know."
"Careful, Greengrass" said Pansy with a frown, "You're starting to sound like a Weasley or any of the Blood-traitors."
"Like I said, typical" said Daphne
End of Chapter