Chapter Twenty-Two: The Halloween Prank

Fred and George were already at Hagrid’s hut when Abby and her friends arrived there. The twins, Hagrid and Fang were all out back in the pumpkin patch gathering up huge pumpkins for Halloween.

“Wow took you lot long enough,” Fred said to them when they got there.

“Well your brother and my team captain had something to do with that,” Abby said, looking a bit sulky. Both the twins saw this but didn’t comment on it.

Hagrid smiled, “Well now what ye got to do is clean out and carve these pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns for the decorations. I only have a couple a knives though, so you lot will all have to share.”

“W-Wait,” Darth said just then drawing his wand and looking at it a moment. Then he pointed at the nearest pumpkin and said, “Incisura Segmentum!” A thin steady beam of white light shot from his wand and he traced it over the pumpkin’s top and then it ended. He smiled as he pulled the top off easily showing the clean precision cut.

Theo was impressed. “How did you know that spell?”

“I read it near the end of the C-Charms book, thought it m-m-might come in handy,” Darth said. “It’s easier than using a knife and w-works on about m-most things.” He seemed to blush because everyone was looking at him.

“Wicked awesome, mate,” Fred said to him and then attempted to do the same spell on another pumpkin. Instead of a neat cut, the pumpkin exploded covering them with goop. George laughed and Fred just frowned and said, “Oh hush it.”

“Um, you need to flick your hand l-like this,” Darth explained demonstrating. After a few more aborted tried, the twins gave up and used the knives, but not before getting more pumpkin goop all over themselves.

Abby envied everyone else their ability to put aside their worries and do things. All she could think about was what Oliver said about Percy.

Even though he usually kept more to himself and was more studious than the rest of the Weasley children, Abby always got along well with Percy and felt somewhat close to him. She couldn’t stand the fact that Percy wasn’t talking to her.

“Abby? Are you alright?” Fred suddenly asked her, looking down at her worried.

“Huh?” She didn’t notice the fact she’d been teary-eyed up till now. Abby wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said, “Oh, its nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“Like hell,” the redhead responded. “Something’s eating at you, and let me make three guesses what . . . or rather who.”

Abby smiled a little at the fact Fred knew before she even had to say. “Percy’s still ignoring me and it’s making me mad. I’m upset also, but I’m angry about it more. I mean, you and George and Charlie don’t treat me any different. Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur treat me the same in their letters. So why is Percy being such a stupid, stubborn git?”

“Well um, maybe the fact that he is a stupid, stubborn git?” Fred answered with a snort. Those words made Abby smile, but only a little. Fred then looked at George, who met his eyes and nodded.

Abby also knew those looks as well. “Okay you two, what was that all about?”

Both twins looked at her with mock innocence and replied, “Oh nothing much.” She just raised an eyebrow and gave them her sternest look. “Spill it.”

Fred smiled, “Well, if you don’t mind, we can do something to get even for you.”

Abby sighed and said, “No forget it. I don’t want things to get any worse.”

“But Abby, he-”

“No Fred, forget it. I don’t want to make things any worse than they already are. Got it?”

Reluctantly both twins nodded and muttered, “Yes.” Then all of them went back to helping Hagrid carve the huge jack-o-lanterns. While they did so, none of the others noticed the twins giving each other conspiratorial smirks and keeping over some of the pumpkin goop.

The Great Hall was a sight to see at Halloween. A thousand live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling while another thousands fluttered around the now floating jack-o-lanterns making the candles inside flutter slightly. As if nature itself wanted to add a little something to the effect the night sky through the bewitched ceiling had dark clouds behind which the full moon shown brightly down on them.

“A nice thunderstorm would be more dramatic,” Theo said glancing up as he ate.

Emily gave him a look. “I don’t know, the full moon is better. It seems to be more . . . more Halloweenish.”

He gave her a look. “Halloweenish isn’t a word.”

The small girl looked over at him and smiled. “Well it is for tonight. Besides what other word could you describe the setting?”

“Ambiance,” Theo said taking a bite of a pumpkin pastry.

Abby smiled and said, “Well I agree with Em on this one, Halloweenish is the way I’d put it.” She looked at all the decorations and smiled at them. Fall was always among one of her favorite seasons and Halloween was everything good about fall set in one day.

Looking up at the decorations overhead, especially the huge jack-o-lanterns, Abby took some pride in the fact that it was her and her friends who helped Hagrid set this entire thing up. The bats were actually charmed there by Professor Flitwick, but placing the pumpkins had been their job, once they got the appropriate charms right. All of them earned a few extra points for Slytherin and Gryffindor for helping out—five for each of them—although in a way, Abby smiled remembering that since only the twins helped that Slytherin took ten extra points.

The best thing about helping out was that it completely took her mind off the situation with Percy for awhile. She looked over at the Gryffindor table to see Percy sitting near the middle talking to Oliver Wood—actually it looked like Wood was doing most of the talking and Percy was nodding whenever the hyper boy seemed to pause.

Always when looking at the Gryffindors, Abby’s eyes sought out her favorite Weasley brother. She found Charlie sitting a few chairs away talking to the rest of his team and leading a couple of them in a toast. Abby suspected it was about the upcoming Quidditch game Saturday.

“Abby,” Darth whispered. “Over b-by the entrance, look.” She turned then her head and saw the boy from their first night at Hogwarts sneaking out of the Great Hall. Abby even saw him glance at the teachers to see if they were looking his way before he dashed out.

“What is it?” Theo asked them.

“That seventh year, the one we told you about before when we stayed up, remember?” When Theo nodded she went on. “He just snuck out the door.”

Theo shrugged, “He probably went to use the bathroom, what’s the big deal?”

“No, he was up to something,” Darth said in a way that sounded certain. “He w-was looking at the teachers suspiciously.”

Abby smiled and added, “Plus, I know when someone is up to no good—I’ve lived with Fred and George Weasley for eleven years.”

Darth stood and said, “Um speaking of the bathroom, I’ll b-be right b-back.” He walked out a moment later.

Abby started munching on her baked potato again thinking. What could that older boy be doing sneaking around? Who was he? Then she wondered if it was really any of her business? But after a moment she nodded to herself. Abby always loved a good mystery to solve and this certainly qualified as one.

BOOM!

Abby was jolted out of her thoughts by that loud bang. She looked up and her eyes widened.

The pumpkin that was floating just above Percy exploded downward sending a shower of gooey pumpkin seeds and innards spilling down on top of the redhead totally covering him and splashing on a couple of unfortunate people sitting beside him—including Oliver Wood, who’s left arm was now covered in gunk. Percy’s hair was flattened against his scalp and there was pumpkin goop all over his glasses. He stood up and opened his mouth letting out a high-pitched scream that was almost girl-like.

The entire Great Hall erupted into loud laughter over both the prank and Percy’s scream. The twins were both smirking and gave each other high-fives and their friend Jordan laughed hard, clutching his stomach.

Even though she told the twins not to do anything Abby couldn’t help but laugh also as pumpkin goop oozed off of Percy’s nose and the insides of his glasses were smeared. He tried to stand up and ended up slipping and falling on the floor, causing the laugher to get louder. Across from her Theo and Emily were leaning against one another red-faced with glee.

The only ones who didn’t seem to find this amusing were McGonagall and Snape, both of whom looked stony. McGonagall stood up and shouted for everyone to quiet down. Dumbledore watched with that usual twinkle in his eyes, despite his own serious demeanor.

Percy ran out of the Great Hall, pumpkin goop trailing after him on the floor. “That’ll make old Filch happy,” Theo remarked smirking.

Abby watched and then stood up and said, “I’ll be right back you guys.” She then went and followed Percy out the door. Behind her she could hear McGonagall shouting at the twins: “Never in all my years! Disgraceful behavior! Ten points from Gryffindor—yes from my own house—and detention! Honestly!”

Knowing the twins they would find that worth it, she thought with a smile. Even though Abby knew she should be mad at them for pranking Percy anyway, she remembered how funny it had been and how the older boy treated her the last two months and a small savage part of her said: he deserved it!

Finding Percy hadn’t been hard. The trail of pumpkin seeds and innards ended at the boys’ bathroom. From inside the open door Abby could hear the sound of water running and someone sobbing. She knocked on the door and called in, “Percy, are you in there?”

No answer. She frowned a little and then went inside. The bathroom was just like the girls’ bathroom, except for the long urinals and the blue outlines where it was painted. The fountain in the middle of the room where the sinks were, Percy was washing his face and had already discarded his robe. His hair was wet, obviously from rinsing it in under the tap. His back was to her.

“Percy,” she said a little louder. This time he turned and his eyes widened when he saw she was inside with him. “Abigail Black, this is the boys’ bathroom!” His voice was so high with outrage he sounded almost like Aunt Molly if she was a guy going through puberty.

“Gee I hadn’t noticed,” Abby said dryly as she walked over to him. “Nobody else is in here and I wanted to talk to you alone.”

“Haven’t you already done enough?” Percy said, not looking at her and sounding really harsh. “Did you and the twins get your laughs at my expense?!”

Abby now felt a little guilty at laughing—but only a little. Her own voice was hot when she answered, “I had nothing to do with it! It was Fred and George, and I told them not to just so you know!”

“Why?!” He said looking at her, eyes red and blurry with tears.

“Good damn question!” Abby retorted, her own lip trembling. “You deserve it after treating me like I don’t exist! I thought you were my brother, Percy! I thought you loved me!” She turned to leave.

“Why did you have to be in Slytherin?” Percy said behind her. He no longer sounded mad, but there was pain in his voice.

Abby stopped and looked back at him only because of that. Percy was looking down at her and leaning back against the fountain. “Why does it matter where I am, Percy? I’m still the same person I always was. I never changed.”

“But what if you do?” Percy said looking down now. “I mean, what if that place changes you and I lose one of my only friends?”

Her eyes widened at this. Abby knew Percy was a bit of a loner and thought people really didn’t understand him, or were too immature for him. Despite this though they always got along well, ever since they were little. Percy never let on to anyone that he felt lonely a lot and that he was no good at making friends. That he would say it to her now . . .

But there was still some anger to deal with. “Well you did a pretty good job of pushing me away before? Hell you always say that I’m your sister, just as much as if I was born a Weasley. If that’s really true then why did you treat me like garbage when everyone else doesn’t care if I’m a Slytherin?!” Abby practically shook with anger as she said this, the full measure of her pain coming out along with tears of rage.

Percy actually managed to look ashamed of himself. At that Abby felt herself viciously feeling good about it. Then he said, “It’s just . . . I don’t want to watch you turn into someone bad. I can’t stand the thought of it and I thought maybe if I didn’t allow myself to feel as much, maybe I could bear it if it happened.” He then began to sob and wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his soiled uniform shirt. “I’m so sorry Abby.”

Abby did he best to calm herself before she answered. “Percy, you should believe in me to make the right choices. Slytherin or not, I’m still who I always was. Nothing is going to change that. Maybe I will change a little as I grow up? But in the end who I grown into will still be who I choose to be.” She bit her lip a moment then said. “You should have believed in me, Percy.”

Percy rushed over to her and knelt down hugging her tightly, getting a little pumpkin goop on her as well. “Please forgive me, little sis.”

She heard him call her by that familiar name and Abby sighed, “Damn you, Perce.” She added her own familiar name. “Why the hell can’t you let me stay mad? I want to stay mad at you, damn it!” She heard Percy laugh and then a moment later, she laughed too in relief.

He let go and looked at her through his blurry vision, “So, I’m forgiven then?”

Abby smiled. “For ignoring me and stuff, yes, but for getting pumpkin innards all over me, no.”

Percy smirked, “Oh really?” He then hugged her again and got even more pumpkin goop all over her. She laughed as he did so, “Percy! Stop! No!”

“What the hell’s going on here?!”

Both of them let out shouts and Percy stood up. Abby turned to see a very angry Filch glaring down at them, a mop in one hand and Mrs. Norris sitting next to his leg, glaring up at them. “Disgraceful behavior! Girls in the boys’ bathroom! Messing up my floors!”

“M-Mr. Filch, it’s not how it looks!” Percy said quickly retrieving his glasses, which still had smudges on them. “I got-”

“You two are in big trouble! Messing up my floors and laughing about it! Think you’re so bloody funny, do you?” He was giving them a murderous look.

“Honestly sir, we weren’t pulling any pranks on you,” Abby said worried. Then Filch grabbed her arm. “Hey let me go!”

“You two are going to be in detention forever for this! Caught red handed!” His smile was nasty and he displayed yellow, rotten teeth. Even Mrs. Norris’s meow sounded triumphant.

“Sir! I demand that you let her go!” Percy said, sounding a bit more like his usual pompous self.

Abby continued to try and twist her way out of the crazy caretaker’s grip, which only made it tighten. Now she felt as if he was cutting off her blood supply and she screamed. A moment later so did Filch and he let her go. Abby fell backwards on the ground and was so surprised she looked up and saw why.

Perched on Filch’s left shoulder was a cat-sized green iguana and it was biting and twisting the caretaker’s ear. His eyes were crossed and he screamed in pain and surprise trying to grab the lizard, which kept swinging by the ear, hitting him with its long tail. It was the tail that attracted Mrs. Norris, who then tried to climb up Fitch’s leg to get it, her claws sank in and Filch screamed more, doing a strange dance trying to shake off the two animals.

Abby was so shocked by all of it, she was frozen still. Percy on the other hand grabbed her arm and said, “Come on!” He half pulled her as they dashed by the dancing, swearing caretaker and back out into the hallway and running around the corner. Only then did they stop and looked back around the corner just in time to see the iguana take off in the opposite direction with Mrs. Norris hot on its tail and an angry Filch screaming and half-slipping in pumpkin goop as he chased after the animals.

The Slytherin and the Gryffindor laughed after Filch disappeared. Abby then said, “Wow I can’t believe we got out of that.”

Percy then said, “What if Filch remembers us and then goes and tells Professor McGonagall and Snape?”

Abby shook her head, “After what happened he will be more interested trying to get that lizard than us. I wonder where it came from.”

Shrugging Percy said, “Probably someone’s pet, and it’s against regulations. The letter says only a cat, rat, toad or owl are permitted.” Abby couldn’t help but grin. Her brother Percy was back to his normal self. She hugged him again, pumpkin goop or not.

To Be Continued . . . .

Sorry about the hiatus. Major writer’s block on all my stories, but now I’m back and I’m typing again!

Next Chapter: QUIDDITCH! Yah! And I am already halfway through with it, but if you want to see it any sooner, you have to write some reviews—at least five or more before I post Abby’s first exciting game of Quidditch! Please stay tuned and review! Carl