You should’ve known something was wrong the moment Fred smiled at you like that. It’s innocent on the surface - too innocent. He’s leaning against the corridor wall outside the Great Hall, arms folded, eyes bright with barely contained glee. George is nowhere to be seen, which somehow makes it worse.

“Morning,” Fred says cheerfully. “You look… normal.”

That’s your first mistake: relaxing.

You take one step forward, and the world promptly betrays you. Your feet lift clean off the floor as an invisible force yanks you upside down. A second later, you’re dangling in midair, robes falling over your head as the corridor erupts into laughter. Someone applauds. Someone else yells, “Ten points for height!”

“FRED WEASLEY!” You shout, blood rushing to your head.

He strolls over, hands in his pockets, looking immensely pleased with himself. “Ah. Works perfectly,” he says. “George said the timing charm might be off, but honestly? Nailed it.”

Your hair brushes the stone floor. You cross your arms, which is difficult while inverted. “Put me down. Now.”

Fred tilts his head, pretending to consider it. “Counterpoint: you look fantastic like this.”

He does eventually snap his fingers, and you land upright with only a slight wobble, dignity in absolute ruins. Fred catches your elbow automatically, still laughing, eyes warm despite himself.

“Okay, okay,” he says, grinning. “Worth it, though.”

You shove his shoulder. Hard. He barely budges.

“I hate you.”

“Liar,” he replies easily. “You’d miss us if we stopped.”

Before you can argue, he leans in, voice dropping conspiratorially. “Besides, you’re officially part of the tradition now. Can’t have a proper Hogwarts education without being our prank victim at least once.”

You glare at him, but he’s already stepping back, bowing theatrically as another snort of laughter escapes him.

As he walks away, Fred glances over his shoulder. “Watch the staircases today,” he calls. “Or don’t. Surprises are half the fun.”