Second Year

He put his plan into action the beginning of second year. Of course, he had to keep it a secret from his fellow Slytherins, so he continued to treat as he had all first year: like the mudblood she was. He called her that, mudblood, because he knew it hurt her. And he also knew that when something hurt her, she got angry. And when she got angry, she acted without thinking, more often than not in Slytherin way.

He joined the Quidditch team that year, earning the position of Seeker and even going so far as to have his father buy the entire team new brooms. Naturally, he was accused of buying his way onto the team. He made a mean comment or two, and Weasley snapped. Tried to make him "eat slugs", but, alas, his wand backfire on him, and he ended up vomiting slugs. He tried not to laugh, really, but it was just too funny! Who wouldn't laugh upon seeing that? Granger, apparently. He would have to try harder.

He knew it wasn't really Crabbe and Goyle; they were acting much too stupid. The real Crabbe and Goyle would have known it wasn't him who opened the Chamber; they followed him around like lost puppies, for Salazar's sake! He just couldn't figure out what they'd used to change their appearance. He humored them, however, and told them the truth: No, he was not the one opening the Chamber of Secrets and threatening Muggleborns. And, honestly, he really did wish that he could claim credit for that. 'Because,' he thought, 'if it WAS me, I could make sure that it doesn't get Granger.'

He had to stifle a laugh when Potter and Weasley made up some excuse as they began to change back into their proper forms. Polyjuice potion, of course! Most likely Granger's idea, and an idea worthy of a Slytherin at that! He knew that the Polyjuice potion was, while relatively easy to make, considered an advanced potion. But of course he would know that- after all, Potions was one of the two classes that he could beat her in, the other class being Astronomy (which he had, unwillingly, been taught about since he was born). This irritated him, of course, but he tried to think of it as just another reason to gain her loyalty.

He was furious when word got out that the monster of the Chamber had gotten to her. Damn it, that postponed everything! His entire plan had to be put on hold because the founder of his house just when a little overboard. He was especially moody from then on until the paralyzed students were revived.

He smiled that day, not for her, Salazar, whoever came up with that idea belongs in Hufflepuff! No, he smiled because, whether she knew it or not, every moment she lived was just a moment closer to becoming a Slytherin.