Percy Jackson and Harry Potter Halfblood Heroes (Book 6)

Chapter 6

Halfway through October came their first trip of the term to Hogsmeade. They all had wondered whether these trips would still be allowed, given the increasingly tight security measures around the school, but was pleased to know that they were going ahead; it was always good to get out of the castle grounds for a few hours. He was woken up by seeing Ron dangling upside down inmidair as though an invisible hook had hoisted him up by the ankle

"Sorry!" yelled Harry, as Percy, Dean and Seamus roared with laughter, and Neville picked himself upfrom the floor, having fallen out of Bed. "Hang on — I'll let you down —"

There was another flash of light, andRon fell in a heap onto his mattress.

"Sorry," repeated Harry weakly, while Percy continued to roar with laughter.

"Tomorrow," said Ron in a muffled voice, "I'd rather you set the alarm clock."

By the time they had got dressed, padding themselves out with several of Mrs Weasleys handknitted sweaters and carrying cloaks, scarves, and gloves, Ron's shock had subsided and he haddecided that Harry's new spell was highly amusing; so amusing, in fact, that he lost no time inregaling Hermione with the story as they sat down for breakfast.

"...and then there was another flash, of light and I landed on the bed again!" Ron grinned,helping himself to sausages.

Hermione had not cracked a smile during the anecdote, and now turned an expression of wintrydisapproval upon Harry.

"Was this spell, by any chance, another one from that potion book of yours?" she asked.

Harry frowned at her.

"Always jump to the worst conclusion, don't you?"

"Was it?"

"Well...yeah, it was, but so what?"

"So you just decided to try out an unknown, handwritten incantation and see what wouldhappen?"

"Why does it matter if it's handwritten?" said Harry.

"Because it's probably not Ministry of Magic approved," said Hermione. "And also," she added,as Harry and Ron rolled their eyes, "because I'm starting to think this Prince character was a bitdodgy."

Both Harry and Ron shouted her down at once.

"It was a laugh!" said Ron, upending a ketchup bottle over his sausages. "Just a laugh, Hermione,that's all!"

"Dangling people upside down by the ankle?" said Hermione. "Who puts their time and energyinto making up spells like that?"

Percy remembered a familiar incident two years ago.

"Fred and George," said Ron, shrugging, "it's their kind of thing. And, er —"

"My dad," said Harry

"What?" said Percy, Ron and Hermione together.

"My dad used this spell," said Harry. "I — Lupin told me."

"Maybe your dad did use it, Harry," said Hermione, "but he's not the only one. We've seen awhole bunch of people use it, in case you've forgotten. Dangling people in the air. Making themfloat along, asleep, helpless."

"Death eaters," Percy murmured. "During the world cup."

"That was different," Ron said robustly. "They were abusing it. Harry and his dad were just havinga laugh. You both don't like the Prince," he added, pointing a sausage at Percy and Hermione sternly, "because he's better than you at Potions —"