#5 The Challenge
When the laughing and the taunting had subsided, Lucius regarded the white envelope in front of himSnape watched him carefully and could almost read the thoughts that were whirling inside Lucius's blond head: 'It hadn't burst in to flames or tried to choke me or transfigured in to a three headed lava spitting fire breathing…..STOP! The fact remains that the letter hasn't killed me and it does appear innocent. Maybe I should open it.
WHAT AM I THINKING? IT'S FROM BLACK!'
Severus would have been able to predict the next words even before the thought formed in Lucius's brain.
"Crabbe, You open the letter!"
Crabbe did as he was told. 'He did not die. The letter was safe.'
Out tumbled a square parchment, its edges elaborately laced with an intricate pattern. In place of a letter-head lay a self modifying picture of the Gryffindor lion crushing a silver snake. Narcissa, Severus, Goyle and Lucius edged closer to Crabbe in order to read the letter. But save for their mascot being slaughtered the parchment was bare.
"If this is Black's idea of a prank." Lucius scoffed. "It has clearly failed."
"Or maybe…" Severus muttered hastily scooting two seats away. "It's on a delayed action charm."
ROAR. The lion had finished murdering the snake.
The Slytherins jumped. Spidery letters appeared on the bottom.
Moony Wormtail Padfoot & Prongs cordially invite the Snakes to be
THE LAST MEN STANDING.
This is a challenge extended out to Lucius 'Lucy' Malfoy, Severus 'Snivellus' Snape, Gregory 'Gar' Goyle and Calvin 'Over Cooked' Crabbe by the Marauders. Its sole purpose is to confirm (once again) the superiority of Gryffindor over Slytherin.
The challenge would comprise of the capture of the concealed Marauders before the clock strikes 3 Morn. While you may use any means to capture and detain the Marauders they too have consent to use WHICHEVER MEANS to bring you down. The side which has the highest number of contestants still standing wins. The losers would acknowledge the winning house as superior to their own and leave with dignity. (While they can…)
Should you choose to accept this challenge, (And we would understand if you do not, being in Slytherin and all…) Arrive at the statue of Mal-Drake the Masked on the third floor, One of us will guide you to the challenge arena.
As not to be traced back to its origins and chiefly as you are back stabbing Slytherins, this message would self destruct NOW.
With a final stomp at the withering snake, the Gryffindor lion let out a roar complete with tongues of flame which incinerated the parchment and seared Crabbes fingers as he was too slow to drop the letter after reading the final word.
Silence ensued.