With the arrival of October, Hogwarts had cooled down. The students had traded short sleeves for long ones, and some were already wearing thick sweaters. The Quidditch players especially, 'flying' around in this weather without bundling up was basically asking for a cold next day.
....Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's team captain, had officially gone mad with obsession. For the past few years, Gryffindor'd failed to win the Cup for one reason or another, and this year.
This year was Wood's seventh and final at Hogwarts. If he did not claim the Cup now, he would never have another chance.
The team understood his mindset, so endured his devilish training schedule without complaint, practicing four days a week on the pitch, no matter the weather. Oliver had even walked up to Lucifer the day Quidditch practice would start and asked him to join them.
He, of course, agreed because after the match last year, He did enjoy Quidditch alright and wanted to stay on the team if he could, which was crazy to consider given that he was taking every class, but he'd make it work.
Even if he had to go back to before practice started and get more work done that way. Lucifer stood in the locker room, dressed in his Quidditch Robes as Oliver gave them a speech.
While it was going on, Katie Bell was stealing numerous glances at him.
"Alright, Harry, I think we let Lucifer have at it first. That sounds good?" Oliver asked him.
"That sounds fine to me."
Harry happily agreed to letting his friend go first, who had his 'Nimbus 2000' as opposed to his Firebolt, because, he wanted to keep that a secret for the 'first' actual match he would get to play. He was only a Reserve Seeker, everyone had been inspired by Oliver's speech, and went out with a renewed purpose.
They were getting the Quidditch Cup this year, and nothing, not even Sirius Black was going to stop them!
Lucifer, the Reserve Seeker, having caught every golf ball and/or Snitch that went 'flying', he had even gently persuaded Wood about only going to three evenings, because he was heavily occupied otherwise with his classes and the homework that came with them.
This weekend was no different, had started at dawn and kept going until ten in the morning before Wood 'finally' called it a day.
The twins trudged back toward the castle, dragging their Cleansweeps behind them like corpses.
"Wood's lost it," Fred groaned. "If we don't win this year, I swear he's gonna repeat a grade."
"Would Dumbledore even let him?" George asked.
"No way. McGonagall would skin him alive first, even if she wants us to win."
"Still, we've got a real shot this year. Beat Slytherin and it's basically in the bag. Plus, Lucifer's got that 'secret weapon."
"Yeah, too bad he didn't tell anyone, we only got to know by Merlin's luck that night. I really wanna see what---"
"George! Fred!"
The twins turned toward the voice and spotted Lucifer sitting by a round table near the courtyard window, gesturing for them to come over, "I've got a business deal."
The twins exchanged a glance. Their eyes lit up in perfect sync, without a word, they skipped the door entirely and climbed out window, sprinting across the grass to sit beside him.
"What kind of business deal?" Fred asked eagerly.
Lucifer didn't answer right away, he tapped the stone table, and a tray of tea and pastries appeared. Gesturing for them to help themselves, he lifted his cup and took a calm sip.
"I heard you two have been tinkering with a few inventions?" he said casually once they'd eaten a bit.
George narrowed his eyes, "Let me guess, Ginny told you."
Lucifer inclined his head, "She mentioned Extendable Ears, Daydream Potions, Dungbombs, and something called 'Punching Notebooks.' Sounds promising."
"Of course," Fred said proudly, rubbing his hands together like a born salesman, "Want to prank your roommate? Looking for a little joy in your homework-filled life? Or maybe you'd like to overhear some juicy gossip between the girls' dorms? The Weasleys' line of prank products will never let you down!"
He leaned in, grinning. "So, boss-how many would you like?"
George jumped in immediately, "I recommend the Skiving Snackboxes. Buy two packs and we'll throw in a free Dungbomb!"
Lucifer shook his head, smiling slightly, "I'm not here to buy."
Both twins deflated on the spot.
"Then what's this 'money-making' thing?" Fred slumped dramatically.
Setting down his cup, Lucifer said with eyes gleaming, "I'm not buying from you. I'm asking you to sell for me. My 'Kanan's Magical Workshop' isn't just selling WhatsApp anymore, tt's expanding into beauty products, and the sales are already pretty good."
"Pretty good" was an understatement. Female customers had shown him just how terrifying buying power could be. Zabini was run ragged managing orders, and Lucifer had even brought in a second helper---
Penelope Clearwater. She had the grades and precision for potion work, especially in a field as detail-oriented as this one. She was only in her sixth year but already worked at a graduate level. And she was genuinely happy to help after being given a summer job.
No one likes being just a pretty face. So lately, she'd spent nearly all her free time helping brew potions, keeping their stock stable.
George frowned thoughtfully, "So you want us to sell our stuff in your shop?"
He and Fred traded a look, both clearly tempted. Their dream had always been to open a shop in 'Diagon Alley' someday.
Getting a trial run under Lucifer's brand could give them a head start, and valuable experience.
"That's part of it. But I've also got another idea, using my WhatsApp to help you sell directly to students."
Making products was nothing compared to building a platform.
The Weasley twins' prank gadgets wouldn't bring much profit on their own, but Lucifer wanted to use them as an experiment, to kickstart Wizarding world's 'first' form of online sales. Well, not online exactly. The tech wasn't there yet. But... it wasn't too far off. Anyway, let these two become the 'first' wizarding online Merchants.
"Can you give us some details?" George asked, curiosity sparking.
Lucifer opened his notebook and demonstrated, showing them exactly how it would work. As the pages displayed messaging features, 'promotional channels', and order systems, George and Fred's eyes widened.
By the end, both twins were practically vibrating with excitement.
"This is brilliant! Way better than advertising in the 'Daily Prophet!"
"Yeah, now let's talk about your fees," Lucifer said, closing the notebook with a sly grin. Both twins froze, a chill ran down their spines. They had a very bad feeling they were about to get completely cheated.
About ten minutes later, the twins left with very strange expressions. They had never felt this conflicted before excited to 'finally' put their talents to good use, yet utterly miserable after being bled dry by Lucifer, first forget about the 'Firebolt' even existed, he didn't want to play just because of having a better broom, Wood needs to register his qualities as Seeker.
Not only did they have to hand over thirty percent of the shares in their future 'Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes', but they'd also have to pay extra every time they used Lucifer's system for advertising. 'That guy had to be a vampire in disguise. He was practically sucking us dry!'
Still, they'd made up their minds. Once boarded this pirate ship, there was no turning back. The twins were nothing if not action oriented, especially when it came to pranks.
They had more passion and patience for mischief than anyone else in the school. Within a few days, they'd finished preparing their stock and came back to see Lucifer.
"Just wait," Fred said confidently, "You'll see the results tonight."
That night, most students were lounging around in their common rooms, either chatting or finishing up homework. Then suddenly, every single "WhatsApp" notebook in the school started buzzing violently. The shaking lasted about two seconds before it stopped. Curious, everyone opened theirs, only to see them flip to a new page on their own.
A line of glowing text slowly appeared:
{Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes is now open for business! To celebrate our grand opening, all purchases over one Galleon are 10% off! Check out our 'full' list of products below...}
A long list of product descriptions followed.
The common rooms went dead silent, 'you could even hear the wind outside the castle'. Everyone stared at their WhatsApp diary, fascinated.
Not that they all cared about prank products, but this was the first time something like this had ever happened. And there was no question who was behind, had Morningstar written all over it.
The next day, the whole school knew about 'Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' and their prices. By morning, students were already lining up to buy. Fred and George were so happy they couldn't stop grinning. In just a few hours, half their stock was gone.
They'd been worried about wasting materials before, but now that they knew it worked, they could finally go all in and even invest more into developing new products.
Watching his brothers count their profits until their hands cramped, Ron felt a pang of envy. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore and shuffled over, smiling awkwardly.
"Hey, uh... brothers need any help?"
"Merlin's nose hairs," George said cheerfully, dropping a Galleon into his wallet, "Did you hear that, Fred? Ronnie just called us 'brothers."
Ron's face flushed red, but he didn't move. A Knut could humble even a hero, and he wasn't exactly one. If swallowing a bit of pride meant making money, he could manage that.
"I heard him," Fred said with mock seriousness, "We should mark this day on the calendar. From now on, we'll celebrate it every year."
"You're absolutely right."
George gave Ron a long look, then shook his head regretfully. "Sorry, Ronnie. I just can't think of anything you could do for us... hire you? We'd be better off asking Ginny."
"I can do anything!" Ron blurted.
"Don't say that, you'll hurt your little brother's feelings," Fred said, patting George on the shoulder before leaning closer to Ron, his tone suddenly serious. "Actually, Ronnie, we do need someone to test our new products. And I think you're the perfect candidate. Two Sickles per test -just for you, since you're 'family."
"For reference, we only gave Lee one Sickle before."
Ron stared at him. "You want your brother to test your experimental products? And you're only paying one Sickle more than Lee?"
"That's a whole extra Sickle," George said matter-of-factly, "More than Mum gives you for pocket money in a month."
Ron had no comeback, he couldn't even deny it. After they finished serving another eager customer, George pressed, "So, are you in or not? If not, we'll just ask Lee again."
"I'm in! I'll do it!" Ron said quickly, his face full of reluctant pride. The twins exchanged a satisfied look.
It was Lucifer's lesson in practice, when you hold the upper hand, use it to squeeze every drop you can. As long as the other side couldn't fight back, there was no reason to hold.
When Harry found out Ron had become the twins' official "test subject," he just stared for a moment before sighing and patting his friend on the shoulder, "I'm sure Fred and George know what they're doing," he said sympathetically, "You'll... probably be fine."
"I hope so..." Ron muttered weakly, "I just hope they remember I'm their brother and go easy on me. Why couldn't I have rich dead ancestors too..."
Harry frowned a little, that last part was... not great. It sounded like he only made friends with him for money. But he knew Ron well enough to let it slide. 'The guy's mouth always ran faster than his brain.'
With a small sigh, Harry shook his head and went back to studying Lucifer's notes. It had been two weeks since Draco's last duel with him.
Lately, Malfoy had been too busy dealing with Blaise Zabini. Apparently, the dark skinned boy was much stronger, and Malfoy didn't see any point in fighting Potter anymore.
And like hell Harry was going to let that slide, he was already preparing to challenge Zabini next, just to prove Malfoy was his real lover... uh, rival.'
Before long, 'Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes'' products had taken Hogwarts by storm. Students were using them everywhere, during class, in the halls, even at meals.
Filch was losing his mind trying to clean up after exploding dung pellets and vanishing ink stains. Professors hadn't received Lucifer's marketing "notifications," so at first they were totally confused. Only after catching a couple of students red-handed did they realize what was going on.
And so, Lucifer and the twins found themselves standing before Professor McGonagall's desk.
"Mr. Morningstar," she said sharply, eyes narrowing with disbelief, "Do you have anything to say for yourself? You've always been one of our most well-behaved students. Why are you suddenly joining in their nonsense?"
The twins-usually as lively as a pair of hyperactive monkeys were trembling like leaves, staring down at the floor.
Lucifer, however, looked perfectly calm, "Professor, this has nothing to do with me."
McGonagall shot him a glare, "Nothing to do with you? You helped them advertise those ridiculous things! And you think you bear no responsibility?"
The boy looked sincerely innocent, "Professor, it's just business. They paid me for promotion services, and I delivered. You can't blame me for earning a bit of money, can you? As long as it doesn't violate Ministry law, I don't see any problem."
McGonagall opened her mouth, then paused, he actually had a point.
"But it does violate school rules."
"You can relax, Professor," Lucifer said with a small, confident smile, "I've checked every one. Nothing I've done breaks any existing Hogwarts rules. As for Fred and George, they're selling their own inventions, which also aren't listed under any prohibited items.... Of course, you could add that to the rules now, but the marketing side is handled through my business workshop. You wouldn't be able to restrict that just through school policy."
The combination was devastating.
McGonagall sighed heavily. The boy had just hit her with a 'flawless' combo of logic and loopholes.
"Fine," she said at last, waving her hand wearily, "You can go."
"Thank you, Professor. Have a nice day."
The twins watched him leave with open admiration in their eyes. They'd never seen anyone talk Professor McGonagall into backing down like that. But as soon as Lucifer was gone, felt her gaze shift sharply onto them.
Fred swallowed and tried to muster a smile, "Professor, well, since he said-"
"You listen to Lucifer, do you?" she interrupted crisply. "Then why don't you ever listen when I tell you to study properly and stop causing trouble?"
"But we didn't break any rules..." George started weakly.
"You didn't before," McGonagall said coldly, "You do now."
And just like that, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes' first official launch ended in disaster. With their "founders" in detention, the shop's grand opening was over before it began. Still, they didn't give up completely, they just went underground, switching to discreet, word-of-mouth sales.
They even went into debt to buy two "WhatsApp" notebooks from Lucifer, which let them create multiple high-capacity group chats for customers.
Time passed quickly, and by late October, Hogwarts was buzzing again. A new announcement lit up the castle: 'Hogsmeade Weekend!'
This year, it would fall right before Halloween. Students were allowed to spend an entire day in the village before returning for a grand feast in the evening.
"Really? I'm so excited! This could be our first real date?!" Hermione said so fast Lucifer had to pause for a moment to catch up.
"Calm down, Hermione. We have all wee---"
"We could start by going to the Three Broomsticks, then we'll head over to the 'Shrieking Shack.' Did you know it's been named the most haunted place in Britain? It'll be amazing! I can't wait!"
"We will do all of those things, Hermione. Just take a breather, all right? I need you conscious to go on a date with you."
"Okay..." Hermione stopped for a second and tried to gather herself. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, but instantly broke into a smile, "'I can't, I need to make a plan!"
She rushed off upstairs and grabbed some parchment and a quill then returned to Lucifer, then dragged him to an empty table. For the next few minutes, she started to draw a map of Hogsmeade, and list the places she wanted to visit with him.
"....." Harry, who was quietly sitting across from both, looked at the couple pretty enviously.
Hermione obviously noticed the jealous gaze, from the black-haired boy, "Look, Harry. I'm sure you'll be able to go next time. They're bound to catch Black soon, he's been sighted once already!"
"Black's not fool enough to try anything in Hogsmeade," Ron said, with an excited mood, "Ask McGonagall if you can go this time, Harry, the next one might not be for ages----"
"Ronald!" Hermione said quickly, "Harry's supposed to stay in school"
"He can't be the only 'third-year' left behind, go on, Harry. Ask McGonagall, go on-----"
"Yeah, I think I will," he said, having made up his mind.
Hermione was about to argue when Crookshanks leapt up onto her lap, holding a dead spider in his mouth,
"Does he have to eat that in front of us?" Ron asked in a whiny voice.
"Clever, Crookshanks, did you catch that all by yourself?" She asked, scratching the pudgy cat behind his ear, who slowly chewed up the spider, then began to stare insolently at Ron with a fixed, unblinking gaze.
Rowena flew in through an open window and perched herself on Lucifer's left shoulder, "Hey, there," he said without looking up, getting started on his Astronomy homework.
Hermione was looking at the owl and saw that she too was staring at Ron.
"Just keep him over there, that's all," Ron said irritably, turning back to his star chart, "I've got Scabbers asleep in my bag."
Harry had pulled out his Star Chart to get to work on his as well. Ron allowed to copy off of him so he didn't have to spend so long on it.
"You'll never learn if you just copy," Lucifer said, again without lifting his head. Hermione agreed and disapproved of copying, but she said nothing, instead looked back down at Crookshanks, petting him idly as she had long since finished her 'Star Chart.'
Suddenly, and without warning, Crookshanks pounced on Ron's bag.
"OY!" Ron roared, seizing his bag, as Crookshanks sank four sets of claws deeply into it, and began tearing ferociously, "GET OFF, YOU STUPID ANIMAL!"
Ron tried to pull the bag away from Crookshanks, but the cat clung on, spitting and slashing.
"Ronald, don't hurt him!" Hermione squealed, quite obviously worried about her cat.
The whole Common Room began to watch everything unfold, Ron whirled the bag around, Crookshanks still clinging to it, and Scabbers came flying out the top.
Rowena suddenly flew off of Lucifer's shoulder and soared right towards Scabbers, but she missed the tiny rodent by a fraction of a hair width and made a circular flying motion near the ceiling like a vulture, waiting for the carrion to be left alone.
Lucifer wasn't sure if his bird tried to save Scabbers or not, but he looked up at her with his eyes.
"CATCH THAT CAT!" He heard Ron yell, as Crookshanks freed himself from the remnants of the bag, sprang over the table and chased after the terrified Scabbers.
George made a lunge for Crookshanks but missed; Scabbers streaked through twenty pairs of legs and shot beneath an old chest of drawers.
Crookshanks skidded to a halt, crouched low on his bandy legs and started making furious swipes beneath the chest of drawers with his front paw.
Ron and Hermione both hurried over; she grabbed Crookshanks around the middle and heaved him away.
Ron threw himself onto his stomach and, with great difficulty, pulled Scabbers out by the tail.
As he still had it by the tail, the rat was dangling, free for the taking, as Rowena swooped in and had the rat in her talons.
"Rowena!" Lucifer roared, staring at his owl. She flapped her wings out of reach of everyone and hovered in place, looking at her master.
"Drop. The. Rat." She was reluctant to, but when his eye glowed red, she begrudgingly dropped the rat to Ron, who was standing beneath her.
"Look at him!" He said furiously to Hermione, dangling Scabbers in front of her, "He's skin and bone! You keep that cat away from him!"
Lucifer stepped in between Ron and Hermione with how hostile he was acting towards her, "'C-Crookshanks doesn't understand it's wrong!" She said through a shaking voice, "All cats chase rats, Ronald!"
"There's something funny about that animal," Ron said as he struggled to get the wriggling Scabbers into his pocket, "It heard me say that Scabbers was in my bag!"
"Oh, what rubbish," Hermione said impatiently, "Crookshanks could 'smell' him, Ronald, how else do you think-"
"That cat's got it in for Scabbers," Ron said, ignoring the people around him, who were starting to laugh, "And Scabbers was here first, 'and' he's ill-"
"Weasely, it's your job to look after your rat's health, isn't it? Besides, you've been calling him useless and barely paid attention to him in the past two years, why do you all of a sudden care now?" Lucifer asked him.
"And you!" Ron said, looking at him, "Your bird has all of a sudden taken an interest in doing what that cat has been doing. Why else would it have attacked Scabbers?"
"She. Rowena is a She, and Crookshanks is a He. They are not 'its'. And I don't know why she would, maybe it's an instinct thing? She hasn't really seen Scabbers until this year, and from what I can recall, that was her 'first' time actually seeing the rat. Birds and Cats hunt rodents, it's just a natural fact, Wizarding Pets or not," Lucifer didn't know why anything was happening the way it did, but he wasn't going to let wild accusations fly about when one could argue that there was a basis of facts as to why his bird and Hermione's cat acted that way.
Even his lazy cat tried to eat Scabbers on the Hogwarts train. Ron got sick of hearing them talking and stormed off towards the dormitory.
Hermione, holding onto Crookshanks, sat back down.
"Hermione... Crookshanks is half-Kneazle... he's an intelligent cat... I know you probably don't want to admit this, but it's entirely plausible that he didn't know until Weasely said something," Lucifer spoke in a whisper that only she heard.
She didn't say anything, but let out a ragged sigh. Lucifer didn't know what else to say, so he continued his Astronomy homework, having already gotten half of it done before that incident.
"There goes the mood of planning our first date. Why does Ron have to ruin everything for us?" Hermione bit her tongue in nothing but annoyance.
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