HP: Hogwart's Journey

No one can quite explain what Peeves is. He's not a ghost, as he can interact with physical objects, yet he can also pass through walls and become invisible like a ghost. Muggles refer to phenomena similar to Peeves as poltergeist activity. In fact, Peeves fits the description of a poltergeist quite well. And in this wizarding world where mental powers dominate, even if Peeves isn't a poltergeist, he's certainly something akin to it. 

"This thing is super expensive, but it's said to be great for nurturing the spirit," Robert said, handing Peeves a purple stone. Strangely, the stone melted into Peeves' body the moment it touched him. "How's the effect?" 

Peeves' eyes rolled around mischievously as he chuckled, "Guess, guess!" 

Robert made a face. "You're definitely frozen now, can't move! Quick, hand over your treasure, and I'll let you go!" 

Peeves grinned widely. "Peeves can't be frozen!" With that, he dashed off and disappeared into thin air. 

Robert turned to the Fat Lady. "Mead." 

"What?" The Fat Lady blinked, then stiffened. "I absolutely won't let you in! Now, leave my corridor!" Her shrill voice made one want to cover their ears. 

Stebbins timidly suggested, "Robert, maybe we should just give up?" 

Robert ignored him, staring at the Fat Lady instead. She grew visibly uncomfortable under his gaze. Due to some unspoken rule, she was obligated to open the door upon hearing the correct password. Of course, she could delay the process, and if students took too long to enter, she could close it herself. 

"Mead," Robert repeated. 

The Fat Lady's mouth twitched as if she wanted to say something, but she held back. 

Robert blinked, feigning confusion. "I'm pretty sure the password is 'mead.' Did you have too much to drink tonight, Madam? If so, I'm sure the Headmaster would advise you to quit drinking." 

"I did not!" the Fat Lady screeched, furious. "You troublemaker, get in here! And hurry back to the dungeons!" 

Robert sighed. "Madam, my name is Robert Leslie, not 'troublemaker.'" 

The Fat Lady huffed and stormed off, leaving the door slightly ajar. 

Stebbins was dumbfounded. After a long pause, he stammered, "Robert, what did you do to the Fat Lady? Why does she seem so angry?" 

Robert shrugged. "She sometimes sneaks off to drink with Violet. I've caught her a few times." 

Stebbins still didn't understand, staring blankly. Robert didn't bother explaining further and pushed him inside. "Alright, let's find the others first." 

The Gryffindor common room was bustling with activity. The little lions were tossing pillows everywhere, and the long table was laden with butterbeers. A pretty witch was engaged in a dance-off with a wizard, while the others cheered them on in a circle. They seemed incredibly happy, though it wasn't clear why. 

"Hey, Robert! When did you get here?" George suddenly appeared, welcoming his friend. "We're celebrating Miss Midgen finally getting rid of her blemishes. She's been upset about them all summer." 

"What?" Robert leaned closer, not quite catching what George said. 

George repeated, excitedly, "It's all thanks to our Quick-Acne Vanishing Sweets!" 

"Ah, yes, I know. Wait, are you experimenting on school students?!" Robert pulled George aside, whispering urgently, "At least use rats or owls for experiments! Isn't human testing a bit too much?"

"Relax, relax!" Fred appeared beside Robert, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "We tested on gnomes first, then did human trials at home before selling them at school." 

Robert paused. "You tested on yourselves?" 

"Of course!" Fred winked. "Remember the pus we collected at the end of last term? Professor Sprout wouldn't give us Bubotuber pus, but she did give us some pus for experiments. She's such an open-minded professor. Over the summer, we applied some to our backs and arms." 

"I had to wear long sleeves all summer to keep Mom from noticing the blemishes. She thought I was sick," George sighed, sounding a bit troubled. "But our experiment worked! The Quick-Acne Vanishing Sweets are a hit!" 

Robert eyed them suspiciously, feeling they weren't telling the whole story. "You only tested on yourselves? Isn't the sample size too small?" 

"Of course not," Fred said. "I put some on Ron's face." 

"..." 

George glanced mysteriously at Percy, then added, "And I added a bit to Percy's facial cleanser..." 

"..." 

Holy cow! 

Robert could only imagine Ron's bewildered expression upon discovering his face covered in pimples. He's just a kid! 

As for Percy? Well, he's in his teenage years. He probably... wouldn't mind... right? 

Just as Robert was thinking this, he saw Percy walking over with a stiff expression. Percy glanced at the noisy crowd, pursed his lips, and approached the twins. "I want to buy some Quick-Acne Vanishing Sweets!" 

Fred, never one to miss an opportunity to tease Percy, made a show of it. "Well, well, look who's here!" 

George grinned. "Isn't this the smartest Weasley—Percy?" 

"If it's Percy, surely he can make such a simple thing himself," Fred continued mockingly. "After all, he's aiming for twelve O's in his O.W.L.s. How many subjects do we have, George?" 

"Twelve," George said. "And Percy's going to get an O in all of them. He's a genius, isn't he?" 

Percy's face darkened, and he turned to leave. 

Fred and George high-fived in celebration. 

Stebbins watched Percy storm off and hesitantly asked, "Don't you think you went a bit too far?" 

Fred replied seriously, "I didn't say anything untrue. He's always been called the smartest Weasley." 

"Honestly, I think he's far from our oldest brother, Bill," George said indignantly. "At least Bill wouldn't throw away our hard work or tell Mom about it!" 

(End of Chapter)