Plans

That night, there was a party in the Slytherin common room. Every Slytherin celebrated the first victory of their new Seeker. They all congratulated Harry, for the win and for managing to stay alive. Everyone was in good spirits. There was even a rumor that someone had caught Snape smiling. No one believed it though. The party lasted well into the night until Snape showed up and ordered everyone to bed. As the first year Slytherins got ready for sleep they explained to Harry what had happened with Quirrell and Snape.

"One of them must have been jinxing you," Draco explained. "When we interrupted both of them, your broom was fine again."

"But we're not sure which one," Ron continued. "I think it was Snape. We know Snape hates Harry already, maybe we didn't realize how much?"

"I doubt that. Snape may not be the nicest person, but he would never attack a student, let alone one of his own Slytherins." Draco spoke in Snape's defense.

"And you think Quirrell is any more likely?" Ron queried.

"Yes," Blaise declared from his bed. "Quirrel is a fake. If he was as much a coward as he acts, where did he find the courage to attack or defend Harry?"

Draco shook his head in exasperation. "The truth is, neither seems likely and we can't prove it was either. I can't think of a reason why they would do such a thing. We'll just have to keep an eye on both of them."

The boys did keep an eye on both professors but neither gave any sign they could be responsible. Soon enough they were distracted by the fast approach of Christmas holidays.

One morning, Draco got a letter with his usual morning delivery of treats. Apparently, Draco's mother, Narcissa, was planning a big Christmas party and wanted to know if Draco would like to invite anyone to come along. Immediately he wrote back, telling her he would ask Harry, Ron, and Blaise to come, and would it be okay if Ron and Harry could stay for the entire winter break? Harry didn't see any point in returning to the Dursley's and Ron's parents were visiting his brother Charlie in Romania. Blaise would be spending Christmas day with his own family, but would like to come to the party. Draco's mother wrote back with her approval.

One day in mid December, all of the Slytherin first year boys (even Crabbe and Goyle) were nestled in Hagrid's hut. Outside, snow was drifting gently to the ground. Inside, Harry was patiently explaining the use of the muggle invention known as a 'rubber-ducky' and other such devices to the other occupants of the room. Harry had trouble keeping a straight face at times. The other boys asked some of the most ridiculous questions. All except Blaise, who sat in the windowsill, laughing at some of the things said but saying nothing himself.

Later that night, the boys gathered in their dormitory. Draco told his friends what he planned to do.

"Are you serious?" Ron cried out, "You know how much trouble we could get in?"

"Yes, I know, but that's why we need to plan carefully and to not get caught," Draco explained.

"What kind of prank did you have in mind?" Blaise asked quietly, sitting on his bed.

"Well I liked the idea of changing their hair green but when I think about it, it seems kind of childish."

"But we are children," Harry pointed out.

"Never mind that! Anyway, Blaise can show the way into their house areas and we can strike when they least suspect!"

"Ok, I'm game. How about setting off dung bombs in their common room?" Crabbe suggested.

"No, that still sounds immature."

"We could…um, turn all their clothes pink," Goyle proposed

"Now, see, that has the same problem. Too childish."

"Draco, we are—" Harry started

"Quiet, you! Come on, we can do better than this."

"Why do you want to prank the Weasley twins so badly anyway? As far as I know they haven't even pulled any pranks on you," Blaise wondered.

Draco sniffed in disdain, "They upset one of my friends and so they upset me. No one does that and gets away with it!" he said fervently. Ron was shocked.

"So this is revenge?" Blaise questioned softly.

"I prefer the term vengeance…but yes, that's what it is."

"I see. In that case I will help you."

Draco turned to Blaise sharply, "You weren't going to before?"

Blaise shook his head, "No. I had no reason to do that. Those two may break the rules but they haven't…hadn't hurt anyone. Now I have a reason to help."

Draco studied Blaise for a moment, "Well…good. Any suggestions?"

"If you really want them to suffer, don't just pull a prank, make them think the world is against them."

"What's wrong with pranks?" Goyle asked.

"Even if you aren't discovered by the professors, the twins will figure out who it was and will retaliate."

"How would they know when the professors don't?" Harry asked.

"Who else would? Their own house loves them, Ravenclaws would rather show them up by getting better grades, and Hufflepuffs…are Hufflepuffs. That leaves only Slytherin house. No. We'll have to do things that can't be blamed on anyone. Little things that you don't even think about, lots of little things that add up."

"How?" the others gathered around Blaise's bed to better hear his soft voice.