Harry sat by himself at the Gryffindor table, still not accepted by his housemates after the fiasco of last year. Hell, after the trials of the last three years really. While most the table ignored him as had become their habit over the years a few spared him a disappointed look. He'd been an out-of-favor Gryffindor for most of his school years and the looks were automatic for the student body now. They clearly hadn't realized that by winning last year's Tournament, he was once again in favor with their Head of House for the moment and should be giving him looks of pride instead.
Then the Weasely twins came and sat down beside him one to either side and George whispered, "Good show, Harry. Mum was livid when she couldn't get into your vaults. Ranted and raved for hours about how she wouldn't be able to do our necessary shopping without those funds and how you'd be going without also since you were counting on her to get your supplies as well like she always does since the Alley is so unsafe for you."
Fred grinned adding, "She even grilled Ronnie Boy on whether or not he was really your friend as he claimed he was since you'd refused the invitation to last year's Quiditch game. Hadn't even been home when Dad went to get you because your family was on vacation at the time. How could he claim he was such a good friend if he hadn't even known you were going on a family vacation?"
George smirked and said, "That's when we pointed out she didn't even have a class list for you so how was she expecting to do your shopping anyway? Because naturally Ronnikins didn't have an answer for her. Except for trying to claim your family never took you anywhere? So how was he supposed to know they'd take you along that time?"
"She rounded on him asking what kind of a family goes on vacation without taking all of the family with them. Of course you'd be going with them as they were your family. As for the shopping supply list, she claimed it was a mix-up in the mailings and old Stumbletoes was getting it for her even as we were heading for the Alley to get our own things. Naturally, said shopping list didn't turn up while we were in the Alley."
"Which to us means old Stumbletoes didn't intend to send it to her at all. I do hope you were able to get your supplies on your own, Harry. But if you didn't, just say the word and we'll get your things for you before your first class as we can go to Hogsmeade any time we wish thanks to our special talents."
Harry smiled and quietly murmured, "Thanks guys but I have what I need. I did my shopping on 31, August. Your Mum never remembers the supplementals anyway. So it worked out better this way."
The twins nodded their understanding. Then George added, "I'd stay as far away from ole Ronnikins as I could get for a bit, though. He's a might bit peeved since Mum promised him a new pet for the one you let escape on him a couple years back. He still won't admit that scrungy ole rat was anything but a normal rat. He was talking about getting a dog. A black, shaggy coated dog that would torment Hermione's cat for him for all the grief ole Crookshanks gave Scabbers. Course, she was counting on your funds to pay for it so he doesn't have it. Add to that the fact his books are clearly secondhand as well as his school robes and you got a real unhappy Ronnikins."
Fred snickered and said, "Mum even told him he couldn't deface the books as Ginny'd be able to use them next year if he didn't destroy them on her first since they took the same electives. Ginny wasn't happy with secondhand robes and books either but she's not as angry as Ronnikins is. Ronnikins was absolutely livid when he found there wasn't even enough coin for a snack bag to tide him over or for Hogsmeade trips. He'll more than likely try to hit you up for coin for that so he can satisfy his sweet tooth. Guard your money bag well, little partner, or he'll have it all before you know it."
"We did come up with some refinements on the plan to make them pay for how they've treated you if you're interested," said George.
"You are going to enact it aren't you?" asked Fred.
Harry had nodded and changed the subject to what pranks they had spent the summer developing and the plans for their shop. He didn't want any eavesdroppers getting a hint as to his plans before he could enact them. He was so unused to talking out loud now the twins had to listen very closely to understand what he was saying to them because his voice was whisper soft. Speaking to Steve and the people in the Alley over the last couple of days had gotten his voice working again but almost two months of no one to talk to at all had made it very soft and quiet. The rest of the meal passed in quiet conversation between the trio as the twins told Harry their plans and how they were making use of the winnings he had given them to launch their shop.
He listened carefully knowing that if he made it through this year, then he'd need to have a way to show he could take care of himself for the people who oversaw the emancipation of minors allowing capable minors to be seen as adults in all societies. He wouldn't be able to apply for it until he was free of the Castle, which was Dumbledore's domain, but it was in the back of his mind already. Had been ever since his Aunt had asked the goblin about the process for wizards and if Harry could use it to get out from under the control of the Old Man.
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