Chapter 34: Gryffindor vs. Slytherin

The first two months back at Hogwarts flew by quickly in the midst of the launch of Shadow Adventures and classes. As per usual, Simon, the twins, Cedric and Phoebe did not have much trouble with the practical aspects of the class. However, they could all agree the amount of homework had been increasing rapidly and it was wise of them to follow the suggestion of Row's father. Hence, even with the help of Lord Lian's portrait, Simon found himself having fast forgotten about the warded notebook and the Ice Vault's book of spells in his study.

Since Simon was often studying in the library with his friends, he found it hard to sneak off to explore the lake on his own. After all, he had not told his friends about the parts in relation to the Lake Vault in the warded notebook. It was a personal research project he agreed on with Lord Lian and he wanted to try and work it out on his own.

As February passed by and March began, all the school's attention was on the upcoming Gryffindor versus Slytherin quidditch game. Not only was it a result of the intense rivalry which had long existed between the two houses, but because whoever won this game would have a better chance of winning the House Cup. The Gryffindor team led by Charlie Weasley had been stellar throughout the year and were currently favourites to win the Quidditch Cup. If they did do so, they could easily cancel out the House Points George lost them masquerading as Fred last term and edge out Slytherins for the House Cup for the first time in many years.

Other houses were also tired of Slytherin's House Cup winning streak for the past few years and were actively cheering on Gryffindor to win. Although there had been less altercations in the hallways on the days leading up to the game than in previous years according to some seniors, due to many students being diverted by the popular new games such as Wiccan Insensitivity and Shadow Adventures, the atmosphere was still very tense and Gryffindors and Slytherins could be spotted staring daggers at each other when crossing paths in the corridors. Even Phoebe and Row sat with them less in the library as the game approached to avoid being judged by the older years in their common room.

This provided the perfect opportunity for Fred and George to hash out more of their April's Fool plan. Regardless of the results of the quidditch match on the last day of March, they were going to prank the Slytherins. However, the prank was going to vary depending on the outcome of the match. A heated prank conference began in an empty classroom, with plenty of "muffliatos" cast.

"If they lose, we can go a little bit nicer on them. Maybe a change of hair colour with some the final score appearing on their clothing…or maybe even as a part of the haircut? Like highlighted on the hair?"

"Woah woah woah calm down Fred," George muttered while jotting down ideas.

"Yeah, that may be a bit too harsh," chimed in Cedric, "And you would lose many house points."

"Oh, I was not thinking about that Cedric," George said, looking at the goody two-shoes in their friend group, "I want Fred to calm down because while a hair colour changing potion is easy enough to make – we have done that on Percy quite a few times and helped Sue with a few…."

He briefly turned to Simon whose eyes narrowed, "Sorry about that mate. Anyways those we can definitely brew in time but I do not think we know how to make the score appear on their hair. Maybe let's just do it on their clothes? Wasn't there a graffiti spell from the Ice Vault?...Think that might work on clothes too…"

"Well, whatever you all decide to do, you better test it out first," Cedric added, "I am willing to participate only if nobody would be seriously hurt."

"That's rare to hear Grandpa Diggory," Fred smirked, which did seem to slightly perturb the usually good-natured Cedric.

"Look, I can have fun too! I came up with some of the contents of the white cards!"

"Like what? The spellbinding voice of Celestina Warbeck? That wasn't even that funny!"

Cedric took a deep breath. He was not going to let Fred get under his skin.

"Anyways, I am happy to join if the spells are relatively safe AND things cannot be traced back to us."

"Ditto," Simon said, knowing full well Cedric just did not want to receive the wrath of his mother for simply being a kid every now and then, "And what do you have planned if Slytherin wins?"

Fred's lips curled to resemble a devilish grin, which George quickly mirrored.

"You all recall that the Slytherin common room is technically underwater right?"

"I don't like where this is going…" Cedric said.

"Well, that was quick for you to back out," Fred quipped.

"Fine, keep explaining," Cedric replied, stiffening at his seat.

"Then let us give them a more underwater experience," George proposed, "Roger did share all of Clover's secrets from the Halloween show they put up…"

"Even if just the four of us can somehow pull off the spells multiple upperclassmen did together, how on earth are we getting into the Slytherin common room?" Simon asked, "And no, we are not involving the house-elves because they did too much for us already plus they are duty-bound to Hogwarts to report us if they have an inkling we are causing havoc to Hogwarts."

"George, show them what we found in Filch's office last month."

A dog-eared and stained piece of paper Simon was familiar with appeared in George's hands.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."