Notes: I've adjusted the format of the stories to reflect the way I uploaded it to another archive site. So now there is a Prologue that use to just be lumped into this part. Anyway go read the notes in the Prologue for info on why I wrote this story.

Harry caught up to Ron near the Quidditch pitch, easily spotting him by the unusual color of his robe. He walked up to Ron trying to hide his smile as his friend stomped a ruthless path through the tall grass. "Hey Ron, nice outfit!" he called out.

"Don't even start, Harry! I've already heard them all," Ron said, not even turning around. "All the good ones, anyway. Though when the twins see my robe stained this hideous color I'm sure they'll do their best to prove that wrong."

"They'll have a hard time teasing you from detention," Harry said. "Hey Ron..."

"What?"

Harry smothered a snicker. "You got some shoes to match that robe?"

"Harry!" Ron said, spinning around only to stop mid-sentence to catch the black bundle Harry tossed him. Harry smiled as he watched Ron unfold the new robe he'd given him. "But Harry, isn't this your extra set?"

"Yep, but I don't really think pink's your color."

Ron held up the new robe and looked it over. "I don't know Harry, your robe is going to be a little short on me. And besides, I'm not sure YOU can handle this color."

"Come on Ron. It's a fair trade."

"Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you. It's a brave man who can wear pink." Ron said puffing his chest out in bravado.

"Inside I'm screaming, really. Hurry up and change before someone else comes along and sees you."

Ron wasted no time pulling off the offending garment and tossing it to Harry, who caught it. Harry had to admit as Ron slipped on the new robe, that it WAS a little short on the legs and sleeves for him. But at least it was black. "Snape said the color would stay for about a week or two, didn't he?"

"Yep, which means my new robe will have to remain hidden at the bottom of your trunk. If anyone asks, tell them you were thinking of joining the circus."

"It could've been worse."

"Oh really?" Ron raised an eyebrow at Harry.

Harry looked at the pink robe. "It could've changed to a bright Neon Green. Can you say Slytherin colors?"

Ron thought about it for a little bit, "Ok, it could have been worse," Ron said. "But... what's neon anyway?"

"Something so bright it almost glows in the dark."

"That is bad. I can't imagine the grief I'd get from Malfoy. It'd be worse then him calling me 'Strawberry Weasley' and asking me to skip, curtsy, and all the other girl jokes..."

"I take it back, you're right."

"What?"

"Pink is a much worse color. I didn't hear him use the strawberry one." Harry ducked as Ron tried to swat him.

"Harry! It's not as if I've had one of the worst days in all my life. Try to be serious here."

"At least you're smiling."

"No I'm not! I'm wincing with feeling." Ron gritted his teeth for emphasis only to look sullen again. "Damn Malfoy anyway for 'accidentally' knocking Neville's color transformation potion on me." Ron said seething. "I had just gotten used to having one piece of clothing that wasn't a hand me down and Malfoy has to go and ruin it."

"At least the color isn't permanent and none of the potion got on your hair." Harry said trying to keep the mood light. But Ron had already slipped back into his depressed funk. Harry was worried about his friend and as they approached the broom shed had an idea of how to cheer him up. "Hey Ron, let's fly around the pitch for a little bit."

"I don't know. The way my day is going I'll probably fall off the broom."

"C'mon, at least flying will take your mind off of all of this," Harry said turning toward the shed. Only to stop in surprise when he found a smirking Malfoy blocking their path. "Or not," Harry mumbled watching Ron go from misery to fury.

"What do you want?" Ron yelled.

"I'd thought I'd fly a bit. That's not against the rules is it? Oh, I see you've managed to fix your little gender problem." Malfoy said, and then noticing that Harry was now holding the offending garment turned to him. "No, I see you've just passed the pink banner of womanhood to Potter. I think you made the right choice, the color doesn't quite suit you as well as it does Potter."

Ron was getting angrier. "That was your fault Malfoy. Maybe you should've watched where you were going."

"As if I had anything to do with Longbottom falling. I just thought he was helping your shabby wardrobe out by giving it some color."

"YOU tripped him!"

"And how! But really, you should take this up with him. It's not my fault that he can't seem to avoid my feet."

Harry noticed Ron was quickly losing his temper and he pondered stunning Malfoy while he wasn't paying attention. Harry reached for his wand but ended up hindered by the pink robe. As he fought it, he felt something in the robe bump against his hands. Searching around in the fabric Harry pulled out a small unfamiliar pouch from one of the pockets.

"Besides, you shouldn't worry yourself so much over a robe that pathetic, but I guess when that's all you can afford..."

"Um... Ron, what's THIS?" Harry asked interrupting Malfoy.

Ron and Malfoy both stopped and looked over at the pouch Harry was holding. Harry was surprised to find that while he'd been distracted Ron and Malfoy had moved in closer and looked to be on the verge of fighting.

Ron looked at the pouch in shock. "That's one of the twins joke bags. They never let those things out of their sight. Where did you find that?"

"In the pocket of your robe?"

"That thing HAS to be what the twins were going on about at lunch today. The stuff the teachers were looking for."

"They got a weeks worth of detention for THIS?" Harry noticed Malfoy studying the pouch more closely.

"They never told us what it did."

"Maybe they thought you'd trip and find out yourself." Malfoy said, neatly ending the malice free moment they were enjoying.

"Maybe it was intended it to be used on annoying gits."

"You'd have to douse yourself then, wouldn't you?" Malfoy moved toward Harry. Harry fished again for his wand not liking where Malfoy was headed.

"Oh, do grow up Malfoy."

"Why don't we try it on someone and see what it does." Malfoy said as he went for the pouch. However Ron had heard enough, looking quite red in the face he pulled out his wand. Malfoy was faster though, turning around to reveal his already drawn. "Expelliarmus!" Malfoy yelled. Ron's wand flew out of his hand to Malfoy, who caught it in midair. "Oops, I've got it? You should be more careful with your wand. Try not to drop it SO much." Malfoy gloated.

Intending to empty the contents on Malfoy, Harry raised the pouch. But Ron lunged for Malfoy, who stumbled back bumping into Harry. Pushed off balanced the pouch fell, tumbling open and dumping its contents on Harry.

~~~

Notes: 10 points to anyone who can find the passage my proofreader thought would be a good lead in to a Harry/Ron story. (for the answer to this please go to Strange Attractors, The Out Takes..)

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. (it's true)