Chapter Twenty-Seven
Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts, Scotland, 12 December, 1991
They were pissed.
And it wasn't even breakfast yet.
Someone was stealing their element and making them look like amateurs. And in their own school, in their own common room!
"Fred, we have to do something about these bloody Firebrands," George muttered.
"Couldn't agree more, George, but we have no idea who they are! We don't even know what house they're in! Or how many there are!" his twin replied.
"Well, someone has to know something! According to Filch and McGonagall's estimations, there's between six and twenty of them."
"So, what, we'll just run around asking about the Firebrands?" Fred asked.
"No, we can't do that. We don't want to stop them, because they have real talent, we only need to put them in their place. At least until we leave," George said, scratching his chin.
"And how do you propose we do that? Issue a random challenge in hopes that they'll answer?" Fred asked sarcastically.
George grinned triumphantly at him.
"It was sarcasm!" Fred moaned, slumping into his chair.
Neither noticed a grinning Neville slip out the passageway into the deserted corridor.
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
It started as an ordinary breakfast, toast, eggs, bacon, and sausage were in abundance and Ron didn't seem to think this abundance would last, judging from the way he shoveled food into his mouth like a mad man.
Hermione shot him a scathing look, and his eating slowed a bit. He now took the time to chew.
Suddenly, huge fireworks exploded through the room, startling everyone present. Even some of the professors had been surprised. Unsurprisingly, McGonagall wasn't one of them.
The fireworks died out, leaving a huge scarlet and gold banner hanging from the rafters facing away from the staff table.
It read, 'We, Fred and George Weasley, compliment the Firebrands on their excellent technique, precision, and planning.
Eight students at the Slytherin table smirked.
'However,' it continued, 'We would like to test these newcomers. We hereby challenge the Firebrands to a war.
The same eight exchanged incredulous looks.
'A prank war, that is. There are three rules:
'One: you must target three teachers or staff members. McGonagall is not recommended.
'Two: you must be creative. There is no room for amateurs.
'Three: you may not permanently maim or cripple anyone. Or kill them.
'Both parties must submit something of value as a prize for the other team in the event of a loss. We submit the Marauder's Map.
'Finally, we will not reveal you, but should you lose, you must reveal yourselves to us.
'Good luck to all, and may the true Pranking Princes (or Princesses) win!'
Adrian turned to his friends. "Well?"
"It's a good day to die," Neville said.
Adrian and Draco subtly cast a spell at the banner, and it changed colors from green to blue to red to yellow.
'We accept.'
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