"Anthony has to keep the rules too, he's a prefect! Which means I get to boss him around even more," Stephen teased. He waved at the muggles but made sure to steer a wide berth around them. Last thing they needed was some students noticing how deep their picnic basket seemed to be.
It was quite peaceful on the river that morning, aside from the few other groups with the same idea Stephen had. They were coming up towards another bridge so Stephen slowed down a little. As the muggles disappeared further down the river, the peace was disturbed by the crack of a house elf apparating onto the nose of the punt, causing it to wobble.
"Whoa! Hey, Murry! What on earth are you doing?" Stephen demanded, bracing himself against the rocking. "Master Cornfoot, your father has sent me to share a message of his displeasure at your absense in the meetings arranged for today. He wishes to know where you are," The house-elf said in a nasily, high-pitched voice, ignoring everyone else in the punt. "Really? Did he not just command you to tell him where I am?" Stephen asked suspiciously. The house elf nodded, "He did. I advised him of your whereabouts, but he wanted you to inform him in your own words." "Well. Tell him I'm here with my friends in Oxford, enjoying the beginning of my summer before we all go back to Hogwarts!" Stephen replied haughtily, "You're dismissed!" "Of course Sir. But do be aware, Mister Cornfoot is not pleased," Murry said. He gave a little bow, looked at Michael and vanished with a similar crack.
Stephen let that sink in for a second before turning to give the punt another strong push, "Looks like I'm in trouble!"