Ch284- Emperor Potter!

Ch284- Emperor Potter!

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Hermione gave the list a final glance, shaking her head with mock pity. "Well, it’s clear Harry’s ahead, three to nothing. I could keep going, but it might save you some dignity if we stop here."

Fred groaned, dramatically slumping in his seat. "Brutal, Hermione. Truly brutal."

George, equally deflated, shot a mock glare at Harry. "Really, Harry? You couldn’t let us have this one? First the King of the Lake, then the King of the Duelling Club, and now you want to be the King of Zonko’s prices too? Going for full monarchy, are we?"

Harry stood up with exaggerated grace, making it look as though he were floating. "Bow before your emperor!" he declared with a mischievous grin.

Before he could milk the moment any further, Pansy yanked him back into his seat. "Yeah, yeah, Emperor," she said, rolling her eyes. "Just sit down and get us some refills while you're at it."

Harry chuckled and relaxed back into his seat. "Alright, alright. Drinks on me. No need to start a rebellion."

Fred and George exchanged a look, shaking their heads with amusement. "Next time, Potter," Fred muttered, though there was no real venom in his words.

George added, "Yeah, and maybe next time we’ll challenge you to something you’re not secretly a master at."

"Good luck finding something," Harry shot back with a smirk.

The rest of the group burst into laughter as they placed their orders with Madam Rosmerta, who appeared as cheery as ever. She looked at Harry and said, "You really seem familiar."

Tracey didn’t miss a beat, jumping into the conversation with a smirk, "Well, he is the Emperor of Useless Titles. Oh, and besides that, Harry the Potter."

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. "I’m sure this is the first time I’ve been here," he said to Rosmerta, keeping it casual. "Though, you might’ve seen me plastered all over the papers. Seems like they love my face more than I do. Oh, and Pansy."

Pansy, who had been quietly staring at Harry, rolled her eyes at Harry’s mention of her. "Don’t get ahead of yourself, Potter," she snorted, though her slight blush betrayed the embarrassment she tried to mask. "I was just checking if your head could get any bigger."

Rosmerta chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "Ah, that explains it. The papers can be relentless, can't they?"

"They do have a talent for that," Harry replied, glancing back at the others still engaged in conversation. Madam Rosmerta smiled as she wiped down the counter. "I read you were at the Ministry hearing when they passed that new law. Escaped the press, didn’t you?"

Harry nodded, keeping his tone casual. "Headmaster and I had to get back to school. Not really interested in being part of the media circus."

Rosmerta chuckled again. "Can’t blame you for that, love. The press can be a handful. Anyway, don’t mind me prying. You kids enjoy yourselves." She winked at them, already turning to serve another table.

“Will do,” Harry responded with a small smile. As she left, Harry glanced over at the others, who were all still absorbed in their own conversations or decisions about what to order.

Tracey glanced over at Harry. “So, what are we eating?” she asked casually.

Harry raised an eyebrow in her direction, not missing a beat. “Why are you asking me? You’ve got an opinion about everything else.”

Nott, who had been listening from the side, let out a low scoff. “After you introduced us to Muggle food, it’s hard to settle for the usual wizard fare. Wizard food just doesn’t cut it anymore.”

George, always ready to follow his brother’s lead, added, "Would definitely spice up her tea."

Daphne laughed, shaking her head. "You two never stop, do you?"

"Nope!" they replied in unison, grinning broadly.

Pansy raised her glass. "To the taco—Snape’s one true weakness and Umbridge's curse."

The group erupted into laughter again, clinking their butterbeer glasses together. Harry raised his butterbeer, grinning. "To Fast Food Day!"

Everyone at the table echoed the toast, raising their glasses with matching smirks and amused glances. The room was filled with laughter as they clinked their mugs together.

The rest of the day passed in a blur as the group enjoyed their time in Hogsmeade. When the time came to return to Hogwarts, the lively mood shifted slightly. Though no one said it outright, there was a collective sense of disappointment. It had been a rare day of fun, away from the usual stress of school and politics, but now it was over.

Back at Hogwarts, as they settled into their routines, Harry found himself in the dueling club, watching the others train. The sound of spells echoing through the room created a familiar, steady rhythm. Daphne was sparring with Neville, their movements fluid but controlled, while Hermione was helping Tracey perfect a tricky disarming charm. Harry remained on the sidelines, leaning against a wall, his eyes tracking their progress.

He noticed the small improvements each of them had made. Tracey’s stance was better, more solid, and Daphne’s precision had sharpened. Neville, always eager, was moving with more swiftly. It was clear that the practice sessions were paying off. Harry watched silently, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he observed his friends getting stronger.

Harry noticed Ginny, Luna, and Astoria rushing toward him with expectant looks on their faces.

"Harry, did you get us anything?" Ginny asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and impatience. She crossed her arms, waiting for his response, while Luna tilted her head, smiling as always.

Harry let out a small chuckle, reaching into his bag. "Of course. I wouldn’t leave you behind."

He handed each of them small parcels wrapped in parchment. Ginny wasted no time ripping hers open, revealing an assortment of sweets from Honeydukes. Her eyes lit up.

"Thanks!" she said, popping a sweet into her mouth. "I was worried you’d forget."

"As if I'd dare," Harry replied with a grin, turning to Luna and Astoria. "Got you both something too. I wasn’t about to let you miss out."

Astoria unwrapped her gift with care, her face lighting up as she found a stack of Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. She gave Harry a small, genuine smile. "You didn’t have to, but thanks."

Luna, meanwhile, examined her box thoughtfully, eyes wide with wonder. "I was hoping for something unexpected," she mused. "And you delivered, as always, Harry. I wonder if any of these sweets contain wrackspurt-repelling qualities."

Harry smirked, giving a slight nod. "You’ll have to tell me if you find out."

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