Chpt. 10- Changes of Plans

"Lucenty Potion?"

"Check."

"Invisibility Cloak?"

"Check."

"Filibuster Fireworks?"

"Check."

"Sleeping Powder?"

"Check."

"Camera?"

"Check."

"Black tutu?"

"Check, well it's still pink. Were we gonna dye it?"

"I thought that was the plan," Lyric said. She and Tristan were going over the final checklist for their plan. Their only debate was whether the ballet outfit was funnier in pink or in black. "I still think black is funnier, because that's all he ever wears," Lyric argued

"Yes, but pink is just classically funny if worn by a man," Tristan shot back.

"This is my revenge, and I say black," Lyric was defiant.

"Fine," Tristan sighed, taking out his wand. "Tallula's gonna be mad at me for this. Vestitus infusco" he waved his wand at the garment. The pink costume slowly turned to black.

"Much better," Lyric said smiling. Then she got serious. "Tristan, are you really okay with this?"

"Well, I liked the pink tutu better, but this still ought to be funny as hell."

"No, not the tutu. I mean, you know we could get in trouble for this?"

"That's half the fun Lyric, tempting fate," Tristan said without any worry in his voice.

"What if we're expelled for this?" Lyric could feel herself becoming more and more nervous.

"Lyric, you can't be getting cold feet at the eleventh hour. We planned this for a month. It will happen tonight. We won't get caught." He seemed so sure.

"How do you know that?"

"I just do, now c'mon, we're gonna be late for class. I'll see you in Potions, and remember, tonight at midnight."

The rest of the day was uneventful, but Lyric was becoming paranoid that Rita Skeeter knew what was going on. In Magical Legends and Lore, Rita kept asking Lyric questions. She may have just been fishing, but Lyric couldn't be sure.

"Lyric, do you ever feel invincible in this school? I mean, you've never been in trouble, you always get some of the top grades. Is it merely a coincidence that your uncle is the headmaster? Perhaps he has made it his duty to protect the family name from being sullied." Rita wasn't exactly asking a question, as she was writing down her own conclusions as Lyric remained silent.

It wasn't the first time the topic of her schooling had come up. When she was first admitted to Hogwarts, there was some concern among the school board that Dumbledore would let Lyric slide through without having to work, also some worried that she wouldn't be punished for any disobediences. Lyric didn't know how her uncle eased the concerns, but she knew that the school board hadn't made any fuss since.

When Potions came around, Lyric once again found herself unable to look at her professor. Tristan walked into the class and took a seat directly behind her.

"Bad news," he whispered in her ear, "I spilled some water just outside the dining hall and Filch gave me detention tonight."

"What!" Lyric screamed out loud. The entire class turned to stare at her, including Snape. "Sorry," she squeaked, then gave Tristan a look of desperation.

"We'll talk after class," he said as Snape was beginning his lecture.

Later, Tristan and Lyric sat on Tristan's bed. "It'll have to be you," Tristan said.

"What? No, no, I can't… I mean, I just can't!" Lyric could feel a panic attack coming on.

"Why not?" Tristan was annoyed.

"Because I cannot break into Snape's quarters. I wouldn't know how to use the Sleeping Powder properly, I'm terrified of those fireworks, and the last thing I want to do is undress Snape."

"It's impossible for the fireworks to hurt you, you know that. As for the Sleeping Powder, he must inhale it or ingest it. Either blow some in his face or slip some in his tea. And it's not like I was thrilled to get the man naked, but it was a sacrifice for the cause," Tristan explained. "Besides, this may actually work to our advantage. People were most likely to suspect me for this, but if I'm with Filch all night, I have an air-tight alibi. Lyric, this is up to you now. Are you gonna make me proud?"

Lyric was torn. On one hand, she really wanted to limit her contact with Snape. But on the other hand, she really wanted to put the greasy old git in his place. "Okay," she said sadly, "I'll do it."

"Alright," Tristan was excited. "Showtime."

Another shorter chapter, sorry to drag the story out. Chapter 11 will be up shortly. Probably before most of you read this.