like a redheaded stepchild

Chapter 12: It's Just a Prank, Bro

So the first thing you need to learn about Egypt is that basically everything is cursed. You see that bit of pottery? Cursed. Those empty tombs? Cursed. That camel? Definitely cursed. Also, the locals are all barmy, and will literally try to sell you sand. Don't buy it, it's probably cursed."

The Weasley family was following Bill through the ancient city of Luxor. It was not, however, the Luxor that most tourists visited, but the magical side. Goblins and animal headed creatures called godlings could be seen hawking wares from stalls and carts, and in the case of the Horus' War Mage Supplies, that was quite literal.

"Ah, my friends, you are looking like you will be needing many fantastic supplies for fighting horrific monsters, yes?" the hawk-headed vendor said as the Weasley's went by.

Harry paused, glancing at Ron and Hermione. "Actually, we might be in the market. What do you have to fend of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors?"

"Give it a rest Harry, Lockhart wasn't actually evil," Ron said.

"He wasn't, but what about the next one?" Harry demanded. "Plus, even if Lockhart wasn't evil, Luna did get possessed by the younger version of You-Know-Who. Plus, Sleepy the Wonder Turban is still out there. I'm sure he's got something evil planned for this year."

Hermione bit her lip, glancing between the two boys. "Ooo, I don't know Harry. Maybe Ron's right and this will be a perfectly normal school year."

"Ah, you are English yes, going to Hogwarts? You be trusting me, there is no such thing as normal at the school for you Englishes. Here, I am having amulet that will keep off evil spirits." The vendor held up an amulet, shaped like a black dog's head.

Harry reached out to take it, until his hand was smacked away. "What did Bill just tell you?" Charlie said, shaking his head in disappointment. "That looks like a bloody grim it does. Keep off evil spirits my arse. Why, I bet that thing would attract a grim and get you all killed."

"Lies, horrible lies! I would never be selling such an artifact! This is anubis amulet, guardian the afterlife and of lost souls. Very powerful magic, only ten sickles!"

"Look, you want a protective amulet, ask Bill. He's probably capable of making a halfway decent one. Don't go buying things off street vendors. They'll sell you your own shoes and make you think you got a good deal. Come on."

Reluctantly, Harry allowed himself to be lead away from the vendor and his cries. Somehow, that anubis amulet had seemed like just the thing he needed to keep away trouble.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Now, this is one of the famous Magician's Pyramids. This one in particular is the Pyramid of Jannes and Jambres, the magicians who contested Moses in the bible. Now, as you know, Moses was famous for his ability to transfigure everyday objects into living beings, something that baffled the Ancient Egyptian magicians as he was the one to invent it. However, these two-"

Harry and Luna followed behind Percy deeper into the musty pyramid as Percy continued his lecture on ancient Egypt.

"You really think we'll find a crumple horned snorkack in here?" Harry asked, pointing his wands light into the dark corners of the ancient tomb. Skittering sounds from various creatures could be heard in the echoing halls, along with Percy's droning lecture.