The WHAT Jelly?

A/N: I want to thank one of my co-workers (Shauni C.) for the inspiration for this story, and to Donna for the Beta help.

No copyright infringement is intended and no profit has been made from this story. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling and Time/Warner; it's their world, I'm just playing here.

Harry Potter / Short 1-shot / 585 words / Rated K

Mr. and Mrs. Potter were not happy. As the young couple made their way towards the gates of Hogwarts, visions of the impending doom of their eldest son crossed their minds.

It had been just before two in the afternoon on a delightful spring day when Ginny Potter received an owl from Headmistress McGonagall explaining that there had been an incident in Charms class, and requesting a meeting with James's parents straight away. After a quick floo-call to Harry's office, Ginny had responded that they would be there that afternoon around four.

Harry, as the second-highest ranking Auror in the department, had been able to get off from work early, and had initially been worried that James had somehow been hurt. As Ginny had explained some of the details of Minerva's letter, he became more concerned that he might have to protect his first-born from his own mother (assuming Harry didn't kill him first).

After the now-decrepit Argus Filch led the couple to the Headmistress's office, the first thing they noticed was a very dejected and worried looking James Sirius sitting over in the far corner under the sorting hat.

"Good evening, Professor," Ginny greeted her former Transfiguration teacher. Harry glared quietly at James, who worked hard not to meet his father's eyes.

"Good evening Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter. Thank you both for responding so promptly. I know the Auror office is still a busy place," Minerva replied. She silently noticed the cool look of disapproval that Harry was still casting toward James. She noted that, even though she knew Harry to be a caring and gentle soul, if he were genuinely angry, he could be a bit intimidating.

"Professor," Harry spoke at last, "perhaps you could explain exactly what happened?"

"I believe that maybe James should explain it to you. Then you can decide if the two weeks of detention are merited or not." At this, all eyes turned to James, who stood and tried to look defiant, but after one glance at his parents faces, he dropped the pretense.

"You remember that American exchange student, Shauni, who stayed with Grandma and Grandpa last year?" James asked. At the brief nods from Harry and Ginny, he continued. "She taught me this really cool spell, and I thought it'd be fun to try it in Charms class."

When no more information seemed forthcoming, Ginny, who was now nearly as ticked-off as Harry prompted,

"And … ?" James cast his eyes to the floor, and mumbled something incoherent.

Professor McGonagall said "I'd never heard of this spell before. It seems to be a deviation from a Patronus, combined with some variation of a glue-bubble jinx. The result of which, not only knocked Professor Flitwick off of his stool, but plastered him to the wall with what appeared to be a giant blob of… Vaseline."

Harry and Ginny were now both completely gob-smacked, as a spell like that should be well beyond the capabilities of a twelve-year-old. Ginny recovered first and asked "Exactly what spell is it that Miss Shauni taught you?"

James looked up and said proudly, "Ex-Soco Petroleum!"