When Callidus peeled his eyes open the following morning, the first thing he felt was a sense of disorientation. The lighting seemed off, and he realized that he had slept in far later than usual. After yesterday's rainfall, it was a clear day, and light shone brightly through the water of the lake. As the fog in his head cleared, he realized that he, Harry, and Draco (as well as nearly all of Slytherin), had stayed up to a ridiculously late hour, celebrating their Quidditch victory. When he looked over towards Harry's and Draco's beds, he could see that their bed hangings were still drawn closed.

He stretched, and sat up, blinking tiredly. Not wanting to wait until Harry and Draco woke up, he decided to get dressed and head up to the Great Hall on his own, bringing a book with him so that he'd have something to read. As Callidus entered through the double doors of the Great Hall, he noticed that most of the Slytherin table was empty. In his year, only Theodore Nott was sitting at the table, his nose in a book as he absently took a sip of orange juice. But Nott was of no interest. What was interesting was the sight that greeted him at the Gryffindor table.

As he looked in the direction of the lions, he immediately noticed the pitch-black pointy hat sitting on Caiside's auburn head, and as her gaze met with his, she narrowed her eyes, as if to say: 'I'll get you for this.' Callidus couldn't resist the slow smirk that spread across his face. He noticed that Caiside wasn't the only one in a black witches' hat. Hermione was also wearing a hat, as if trying to show solidarity. He shook his head. Hermione was far too nice. But it had been very satisfying winning the bet against Caiside, not because he had anything against Caiside, but because it was fun to win. Callidus couldn't help but feel optimistic about the day ahead.

Sitting down at his usual spot, Callidus nodded at Nott before opening his book, and slowly working his way through his food. The material was interesting enough that he lost track of time, and started when Harry and Draco sat down at his side.

"How did you manage to get up so early?" Harry asked groggily, before picking up a glass of juice and taking a sip. Callidus raised his eyebrows as he looked up at Harry's hair. Harry's hair was usually a wild mass on the top of his head, but somehow, it looked worse today than usual. Combined with the dark circles under his eyes, Harry looked almost ghoulish. Having gotten into the habit of using his Grease-B-Gone potion more often than not, even Callidus looked better today than Harry did. Draco, who looked just as exhausted as Harry, managed to still make an effort to look put-together.

Callidus shrugged. "I woke when I woke. It was late for me."

Harry hummed, as if it was too much effort to formulate a coherent reply, and began to eat his breakfast.

"Callidus." Callidus looked up at the sound of Draco's voice and raised an eyebrow. "Why are the Gryffindor girls wearing pointed hats? At least Hermione and Caiside are. Are they trying to bring back traditional fashions?"

Callidus snorted, looking towards the Gryffindor table and feeling tickled with amusement once again. "Nothing of the sort. They just happened to bet on the wrong Quidditch team."

"They bet against us?" Draco's tone was incredulous.

"They're nah goin' t' beh on th' oppthite team," Harry interjected, and Draco cringed, seeing his friend talking with his mouth full.

"Please Harry, it's too early for that sort of thing. You're making me feel sick."

"Indeed Harry - Draco's delicate sensibilities must be protected," Callidus drawled, his eyes still alight with amusement.

Harry swallowed his food. "I said, they're not going to bet on us. I mean, if I was a Gryffindor, I'd bet on my own team, even if I thought they were going to lose. People are supposed to be loyal to their own Houses."

Draco shrugs. "Sounds like a stupid strategy."

Harry raised his eyebrows sceptically. "Are you saying you'd ever bet against Slytherin?"

Draco scoffed. "No. Because Slytherins would never lose. We're too clever for that."

"Spoken like a true Slytherin," Callidus observed.

"So we're going to look for the secret chamber today," Harry changed the topic, once he finished all his food.

Draco and Callidus nodded in agreement. "Just think of all the things we could do if we had our own secret room!"

"We're almost more than halfway done searching the first floor," Harry remarked. "Just don't forget to try the password, 'Open.'"

By the time all of the trio had finished their breakfast, the Gryffindor girls had already left the Great Hall, so Callidus didn't have the chance to give Caiside any more smug looks. He was looking forward to searching for the secret chamber with his friends/brothers, even if some part of him still doubted its existence. Lately, Harry and Draco had been so busy with Quidditch practice, that it felt like he hardly had the chance to see them. Even if the other students gave the Slytherins suspicious or confused looks, it was worth it to spend time with them.

The trio began to search where the had left off, keeping their eye out for any details that might hint at some sort of secret entrance. Eventually, Draco wandered off in different direction and Callidus and Harry had a chance to speak.

"So you spoke to the girls?" Harry asked. "About the magazines and stuff?"

Callidus nodded. "I asked Hermione about it since she usually aims to be the expert at everything. She didn't offer any particularly useful ideas for specific magazines however, she was able to point me to a service that owls muggle items or subscriptions."

Callidus thought back to that day in the library with the girls.

"I wanted to get a subscription to New Scientist and National Geographic but the owl subscription fees are terribly exorbitant," Hermione had told him. At which point Caiside and Ginny were so intrigued by the idea of muggle science that the group of them had gotten carried away by the topic. It had, in truth, been a fascinating conversation. While Callidus definitely preferred the wizarding world to the muggle one, he still appreciated knowledge and it was interesting to learn about the advancements that had been made in the time period that remained a blank in Callidus's memory. Technology, in particular, had come a long way.

Callidus returned his attention to Harry, who was saying: "That's awesome! A full subscription? Heh - so instead of her receiving just one muggle magazine, she'll have to get one every month. How much is it?"

"I think she said thirty galleons a year. Maybe more. That doesn't include the subscription to the magazine itself - that's just the owl service."

Harry hummed. "That's a lot. Well, I think it would be worth it to humiliate Rowle. She deserves it."

Callidus smirked. "That and worse. I have actually taken some time to research muggle magazines and I did stumble across one that would work."

Harry lifted his eyebrows. "Yeah?"

Callidus nodded. "It has an odd name. 'A Bear's Life.' And it features burly and hairy men."

Harry scrunched up his face. "Why?"

"I haven't a clue. Muggles are interested in all manner of strange things. Perhaps it's a type of muggle style."

Harry laughed. "D'you think so? I don't remember ever hearing about anything like that when I lived with my aunt and uncle. But if a style like that existed, they probably wouldn't have told me. I don't have any other ideas though so let's go with that." Harry grinned. "Could you imagine everyone's reaction if they saw some big hairy muggle on the cover of a magazine?"

An amused smile crossed Callidus's face. Being able to witness Rowle's, and the rest of the Slytherin's reactions would be incredible.

Their discussion was interrupted by Draco, who gestured in the direction he came from and told them: "There's no secret chamber back that way. Where next?"

For the next hour, they checked the nearby corridors, alcoves and rooms. Callidus didn't have an opportunity to speak to Harry about pranking Rowle, but he was able to discuss other things.

"So why did you commit that foul against Ginny?" Callidus asked Harry. "Did Flint tell you to do that?"

Harry's expression became sheepish, while Draco declared: "Of course. Though he said to use it as a last resort, if things happen to go bad for us. I didn't think you'd do it though, Harry."

"I didn't mean to!" Harry defended. "I - I told myself I wouldn't commit any fouls. But I just got caught up in the moment."

Draco smirked. "I thought it was awesome." His expression quickly changed when he noticed Callidus's irritated look. "Not that I wanted to see Ginny hurt!"

Callidus shook his head. "I noticed that you didn't commit any fouls yourself, Draco."

"No," Draco admitted. "But we were already thrashing the Gryffindors pretty badly." He shrugged lightly. "There was no need. And we're going to thrash the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws as well. Thanks to our new brooms, the Quidditch cup is pretty much ours."

Bringing up Quidditch mean that Harry and Draco soon fell into an extended conversation about their next matches, as well as a lively debate about their favourite professional players. It was a while before Callidus and Harry had the chance to speak alone again.

"We should subscribe to that magazine right away," Harry decided. "But I think we need to do something more. If I have to keep staring at Rowle's pompous face during our ARMED meetings, I'd be tempted to hex her on the spot."

Callidus shrugged. "We can take opportunities as they arise."

"Yes," Harry mused. "We can, can't we."

They once again lost the chance to speak when Draco once again joined them. For a while, Harry and Draco discussed more Quidditch. Their focus was on their next practices (since Flint wanted them to learn some new maneuvers.) Then Harry mentioned a few new spells he had been reading about that would be useful for pranking. Draco assumed it was for the purpose of pranking Lockhart or anyone else that might happen to cross their path, but Callidus had a feeling that Harry was specifically seeking out spells that he could use against Rowle.

The trio continued their seemingly fruitless search, but Callidus and Harry were then distracted by a group of seventh years passing by the opposite direction in the corridor. It was Rowle and a group of her friends.

Callidus and Harry exchanged looks and Harry silently mouthed the word 'opportunity,' before tilting his head towards Draco, hinting that Callidus should do something about the blond. Callidus gave Draco an uncertain look before he nodded.

"So, er - Draco -" Callidus began, causing Draco to look towards him, while Harry quickly turned around to trail after the seventh years.

Draco, who had seen Harry's movement, watched him leave before turning to Callidus and arching his eyebrows. "Yes? Where's Harry going?"

"Oh, he must have missed a spot. I wanted to bring this up while Harry is gone since - hm - Harry would probably make a big deal out of it if he knew.

"Oh?"

Callidus scoured through his mind trying to think of something to say. "I - hm - heard that you are - well - betrothed to Greengrass."

"What?!" Draco squawked. "Where did you hear that? I heard no such thing!"

"Really? You two would have made a striking pair, being so pale. Rather like your mother and father."

Draco cringed. "That's just - creepy." He shook his head. "I don't want to imagine being married to Daphne. She may have good blood but - Merlin - she's just so annoying."

Harry returned soon after, but instead of looking triumphant, he looked rather pale and disturbed. Something must have gone wrong.

"Did you find anything?" Draco asked, assuming that Harry was searching for the secret chamber.

"Huh? Oh - er - no," Harry distractedly replied.

Draco huffed. "I really want to find this secret chamber, but searching every crevice is an ordeal. It's too bad we can't just order a house-elf to do it for us."

Harry laughed weakly. "I don't mind it. It's kind of fun - it reminds me of a treasure hunt."

Draco perked up. "Do you suppose there could be treasure in the secret chamber? There might be, mightn't there? I mean, last year, we almost found the philosopher's stone. If not for Quiver -" he trailed of, dreaming of possibilities.

Harry, who no longer looked so disturbed, smiled and agreed.

That evening, at their supper in the Great Hall, Callidus caught an inkling of what may have gone wrong earlier when Harry tried to prank Rowle. The older Slytherins were astir with talk, looking either agitated or indignant. Their usually calm and cold facades had been shaken, and many of them were glaring at the other House tables.

"What's going on?" Bulstrode (who normally seemed to be rather unobservant) asked.

"Don't you know?" Parkinson responded, though it was evident that was was thrilled to have gossip to share from the glow of keenness in her eyes. "Someone attacked one of the seventh years - a friend of Rowle's. She's a quiet and nice girl - I don't know if you know her - her name is Dove. Jessamine Dove - nevermind, that's not important. What is important is that almost everyone likes her. She might be quiet, but she doesn't step on any toes and is willing to do favours and expect little in return. Everyone is furious that she got hexed."

"Do - do they know who did it?" Harry questioned weakly, his face pale.

Parkinson shook her head. "No one is really sure. But everyone suspects the Gryffindors."

"The Gryffindors?" Harry echoed.

"Mm hm," Parkinson nodded. "Who else would have a motive? As I said, Dove doesn't have enemies. Not that anyone knows of. The seventh year Ravenclaws are all far too busy worrying about their N.E.W.T.s to bother anyone. And, well - Hufflepuffs are Hufflepuffs. Gryffindors are so volatile and emotional. I wouldn't be surprised if they were just sore losers about the Quidditch match, and I'm not the only one who thinks that."

"Stupid Gryffindors," Bulstrode muttered.

Davis shook her head. "I know Quidditch is important, but why didn't they try and hex someone who was actually on the team? It's such a low blow. Those Gryffindors sicken me."

Callidus and Harry shared a look, and Callidus noticed that Harry's expression was close to nauseous. Even though the Slytherins weren't entirely sure of who had attacked Dove, they were all too ready to believe that it was the Gryffindors without question.

It wasn't until the late evening, when Draco was busy washing up, that Callidus and Harry were able to talk.

"What happened?" Callidus demanded. "I thought you were trying to get Rowle."

"I was!" Harry defended guiltily. "I was aiming for her, and - you know - it's not like I have bad aim or anything. But -" Harry bit down on his lower lip, "- well, she just happened to drop something at that moment and bent down to pick it up. My hex hit that Dove girl instead. I didn't mean to do it!"

Callidus winced. It sounded like a moment of pure bad luck. "Perhaps this whole matter will blow over soon."

"I hope so," Harry added miserably. "I feel terrible for hitting that other girl. And I can't even go apologize to her."

Callidus nodded in agreement. "No. That would make things infinitely worse."

"Yeah," Harry sighed. The fact was that as Slytherins, they never should have been attempting to jinx or hex another Slytherin in the first place. Slytherins value House unity, and every Slytherin knew that to attack another Slytherin was a violation of their codes. If one ever had a conflict with another Slytherin, it might be fair to verbally eviscerate them, or to ostracise them. But it was never acceptable to use magic on another Slytherin unless it was within certain narrow constraints, such as duels, or with express permission, such as practicing Dark Magic.

What Callidus and Harry were attempting to do to Rowle was wrong by every Slytherin measure, but they both hated her enough that it had seemed worth it to risk humiliating her. Unfortunately, Harry's misstep created large problems for them. If the Slytherins felt like they were under attack, they would act more cautiously and defensively than ever.

"Let's just keep our heads down in the next while," Callidus suggested, and Harry nodded morosely. Shortly after, Draco returned from the bathroom, and the topic shifted to other things.

Callidus went to bed that night with a feeling in his gut that the attack on Dove wouldn't simply blow over, and he was soon proven right. All it took was for a few Slytherins to claim that they had seen some Gryffindors acting suspiciously, and suddenly, everyone knew that it had been those 'unruly and vulgar' Gryffindors who had hexed 'poor and sweet' Jessamine Dove. It didn't help that on top of being good-natured and amiable, Dove was also rather baby-faced.

Harry became besieged with a guilt, knowing that not only was he responsible for Dove being hexed, but that it was he and not the Gryffindors, that deserved blame. But neither Callidus nor Harry could speak of it to anyone - not even Draco. There was no way they could ever reveal that they had betrayed the Slytherin tenets.

Because of Harry's guilt, neither of them did anything to act against Rowle - not while a fresh new feud had developed between the upper year Slytherins and Gryffindors. Unfortunately, this feud only meant that Rowle was even more unpleasant to be around. She capitalized on her friendship with Dove in order to become more overt of her disdain for half-bloods and muggleborns, and of course, most of the older Slytherins showed their approval with strong agreement.

Harry's small action had triggered a landslide that made anti-muggle and anti-muggleborn sentiments much worse within Slytherin, causing renewed hatred in the upper years against their Gryffindor peers. It was a terrible climate for attempting any pranks. For the time being, Callidus's and Harry's hands were tied.