Gus lifted his hands in surrender as Irene laughed, like he wouldn’t dream of trying to best her with magic — he had his height on his side, anyway, if really wanted the advantage of her. Wouldn’t put it past Irene having some weird bubble popping trick that he wasn’t aware of, although he wasn’t a sore loser even if he was insanely competitive. Even more so now that some form of sweet was on the line… he wondered what summer flavor of chocolate covered frogs Mr. Honeyduke had made this go around.

Then he laughed and shook his head, never understanding why none of his friends seemed to like to eat chocolate covered bugs! One day he’d get them all to eat chocolate covered crickets… “But those are the best!” Gus pouted at her, but she did have a point. The cockroach clusters hadn’t set well with her. “Gotta try some ice mice this time around. I swear you’ll like them.” They made people squeak and Gus really just wanted to laugh at Irene with that kind of voice, and he couldn’t help but chuckle just imagining it, his wand waving for a moment. Somewhere off to the time, a large, wispy pocket watch appeared to act as their clock for the popping. The paint bobbed in the air, waiting for their timer to begin; they would float around them, bobbing up and down to make things a little more interesting.

Gus tucked one hand behind him as he tucked his wand away, head cocking as he appraised his dear friend. “No wands, and I’ll use one hand unless you really start to beat me.” He smirked at her. “Alright Irene, on the count of three. One. Two. Three.” Then he stepped forward and pressed his finger into the one right above her head, sending a rain of red paint downward, hopefully staining her hair. Gus shrugged and laughed, skirting away to start poking the bubbles in front of him.

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