Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Fourth Year: Exploding Salamanders

"Come on little guy-" Fred coaxed in a playful tone, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation as he waved the firework in front of the blank-eyed salamander. "Time for a nice little treat, don't you think?"

Beside him, Bambi leaned in, her eyes dancing with anticipation and a hint of concern. "You sure it won't-"

"Bambi, what did I tell you about magical creatures?" Lee's voice interrupted, his eyebrows raised in amusement as he joined the circle of onlookers, "It'll be funny!"

The evening firelight cast a warm flickering glow over the cozy Gryffindor common room, where numerous lounging students sat engrossed in various activities- some studying diligently, others talking with one another, and some huddled around Fred and George as they crouched around the wooden coffee table, their gazes fixed intently on the centerpiece of their impromptu experiment: a brilliant orange salamander rescued from a Care of Magical Creatures class earlier that day.

Bambi frowned, watching as the lizard seemed to consider the firework. Its fiery skin shimmered in the firelight, and he sat there seemingly unperturbed by the curious crowd gathered around it. It blinked one eye slowly, then stared at the firework with a curious tilt of its head, its small claws twitching against the wooden table. The room held its breath as Fred continued to dangle the firework just out of reach, the anticipation building among the spectators.

Bambi found herself torn between curiosity and concern, her gaze flickering between the twin's mischievous grins, and the innocent creature before her.

Fred inched the Filibuster firework closer to the salamander, his eyes gleaming maniacally now. The crowd leaned in, their whispers blending with the crackling of the fire as everyone watched.

The lizard, sensing something interesting in the air, leaned forward slightly, its eyes narrowing inquisitively.

"Here we go," Fred whispered with a grin.

Suddenly, with a flick of its tail, the salamander darted forward and snapped up the firework in a swift movement. For a split second, nothing happened- then, with a sizzle and a pop, sparks erupted from the creature's mouth, and the salamander was sent flying into the air. Colorful tangerine stars showered the common room from the Salamander's mouth, accompanied by loud sparks and bangs as it wildly whirled round the room.

The Gryffindors erupted into laughter and cheers. Fred and George exchanged triumphant grins, clearly pleased, and Lee was laughing so hard that he looked about ready to pee himself.

Bambi found herself laughing also, the salamander, finally landing back safe on the ground, escaped into the fireplace with a few final explosion sounds. The creature seemed unharmed, and oddly content where it now sat basking in the warm fire, surrounded with attention and admiration.

Fred turned to Bambi with a playful twinkle in his eye, "See, Bambi? It's all in good fun," he said, his voice laced with satisfaction. "No harm done."

"Okay, okay- I'm sorry for being a doubter," Bambi laughed, "That was brilliant!"

"Happy Birthday, " He grinned pulling Bambi into a side hug.

"Happy Birthday!" George copied, hugging her other side.

"Happy Birthday," Added Lee, opening a Wizard Cracker with an additional loud bang, covering them all with a cloud of blue smoke. Out popped a tall lime green pointed hat with a rainbow-colored pom-pom at the very top. Lee forced the hat over Bambi's head, looking oddly squished under her hair.

Bambi coughed, clearing the blue smoke with a wave of her hand as she chuckled, "Where'd you get that from?" She asked Lee, a wide grin on her face.

"Leftover from Christmas," He grinned proudly.