Disclaimer: haven't done this in a few chapters… characters not mine, original background story not mine, I just twist and extend in my imagination.

A/N:  please tell me what you think.  I'm very self-conscious about writing… no one I know has ever read any of my stuff.  I'm only ok with strangers that I know I'll never see in real life.  Wow, do I always ramble? 

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Chapter 7: Revenge



Sirius was fixed up a short while later by Madam Pomfrey. She gave the boys yet another lecture about dangerous pranks before they were allowed to leave.

Sirius and the others vowed to get Snape back, but had to think of the perfect prank. Sirius, however, was not going to wait. He'd managed to get himself alone in a corridor in the dungeons, where Snape was sure to be at some point. Soon enough, the hooked-nose greasy haired Slytherin came around the corner, alone. Sirius lunged out of the shadows, grabbed Snape by the shoulders, and shoved him against the wall. Sirius held him there with his right forearm against Snape's neck, while his left grabbed Snape's wand and threw it down the corridor.

"Why did you say that curse was one of my mother's favorites?" Sirius growled menacingly.

Snape smirked despite his current situation, "I see I've struck a nerve. Well, I'm very glad I chose that one then."

"Where did you hear it?" Sirius growled with more physical persuasion.

Snape could barely breathe now, but he choked out, "You may not talk to the rest of your family, but your brother sure does, and Bella talks to me."

Sirius released him, saying, "Don't you think that I don't know it goes on in your house too, Snape. Everyone with families like ours gets it, even precious Regulus and Lucius. I guess I'm just special to get more of it. At least I don't just idly believe what they say because of it."

Sirius turned and walked away, fully aware that he shouldn't have his back turned to Snape. Luckily, Snape didn't try anything, but Sirius couldn't believe that Snape knew that curse. It was a very powerful dark spell that, as far as Sirius knew, they didn't even learn defense against at Hogwarts. Fortunately for Sirius, Snape's aim was slightly off so he didn't get hit full force.

"Sirius! Hey, Padfoot!" Sirius just realized that James was yelling down the corridor at him.

"Mr. Potter, there is no need to shout!" said Professor McGonagall.

"Sorry, professor," said James with a sweet smile as he passed.

Sirius tried to shake Snape from his thoughts as he walked up to James. "Alright, Prongs?"

"Yeah, just looking or you. Where've you been?"

"Well, there's this Ravenclaw girl…" Sirius lied mysteriously.

"Of course, I see, Padfoot," said James with a chuckle.

They joked and laughed on their way to charms. Once they got in the room, James was so distracted by Lily's charming abilities that Sirius had to think on his own, because Remus was paying attention, Peter was falling asleep, and listening to the teacher wasn't an option. Why do I keep lying to my friends? Maybe they're right and can help me. But what if they try to help and get hurt by someone in my family? I wouldn't put it past them. Or what if it fails and mum and dad get ever worse for me trying to get out? After all, it's nothing I can't deal with right now. Alright, shake it off, Padfoot. Get back to class.

He smirked at his friend, "Eh, Prongs, you're going to burn a hole in Evan's head if you stare any harder."

Remus laughed softly and Peter jolted awake and laughed loudly, while Sirius just grinned and James glared at the three.

"What, Prongs? I'm just looking out for Evan's pretty little head for you," Sirius smiled innocently.

"Prat," replied James.

"Excuse me boys, is there anything you'd like to share?" asked the professor in an annoyed tone.

"James, here, was just checking that Ms. Evans was paying attention," said Sirius in the most proper school-boy tone possible and added a charming smile.

The professor went back to her lecture and the boys sniggered quietly, except James who went back to watching Lily take notes.

Sirius was in a better mood all day after this. It seemed that something had gone back to normal. He didn't allow himself to feel bad or think about his family. He just joked and laughed with his friends and flirted with girls (who were most honored). The rest of the week went just as well. The other three boys didn't ask anymore about Sirius's home life, and instead they all concentrated on finding the perfect prank to play on Snape and any other Slytherin that happened to be around.

"I've got it!" shouted James as they were lounging in the common room Saturday afternoon.

"Got what, Prongs?" asked Peter curiously.

"A treat for our Slytherin friends," he said with a sly smile. The others huddled closer with mischievous glints in their eyes.

"Well?" urged Sirius.

"Ok, we go down to their common room and turn all the furniture and carpets a shocking pink color. Then we'll charm them so that when they try to change it back to normal, they get poke-a-dots and anyone who sits on them will have hair the same color for a day!" He was beaming with enthusiasm as the others stared at him. Sirius thought this was a great plan, and Peter looked like he could hardly contain himself.

Remus asked politely, "Do you have any idea how to get in their common room, or how to do any of the spells necessary or what those spells are?"

"Well, not quite, but that's why we need your expertise with research! We'll find a way in the common room easy enough. We can get anywhere else." He smiled slyly.