16 Harvest Festival II

Ezra, Wednesday, and Enid headed towards the game section of the Harvest Festival after satisfying their appetites at the food stalls. Enid was eagerly eyeing the array of prizes at the carnival games, while Wednesday maintained her usual stoic demeanor.

As they passed a ring toss stand, Ezra noticed a large plush wolf that caught Enid's attention. He smiled turned to Enid and said, "That wolf looks like something you'd love. Want me to try to win it for you?"

Enid's face lit up. "You'd do that, Ezra? That would be so sweet!"

Ezra paid the carny and picked up three rings. He took aim, but his first two tosses missed their mark. On his final try, the ring landed perfectly around a bottle.

"We have a winner!" announced the carny. "Which prize would you like?"

Enid excitedly pointed to the plush wolf and hugged it tightly when Ezra handed it over. "Thank you, thank you!" she said, giving him an appreciative peck on the cheek.

Ezra grinned, pleased he could bring his friend joy. He turned to Wednesday. "See anything you'd like me to try for, Addams?"

Wednesday glanced at the prizes disinterestedly. "I think I'll pass," she said flatly.

The trio continued walking until they came upon a dart-throwing game. Wednesday's eyes gleamed with interest as she stepped up to the counter. The carny explained the rules - pop three balloons and win a prize.

Wednesday effortlessly popped the first two balloons. When the third burst, the carny's eyes widened. "Wow, nice aim! Go ahead and pick your prize."

As Wednesday considered the options, Ezra stepped up to try his hand. He picked up three darts, took aim, and...missed. His second throw was closer, but still off the mark.

Just then, a tall dirty-blond-haired boy approached the dart game next to Wednesday. Ezra recognized him as Xavier, a student from Nevermore Academy that Enid had pointed out to him before during their tour in the Quad.

"Jeez, you get any better at this, you'll be taking home a whole pack," Xavier said to Wednesday as she selected a black and white stuffed panda.

"Pandas don't travel in packs. They prefer solitude," Wednesday responded flatly.

"Alright, subtle hint taken," said Xavier, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

Wednesday gave him a sharp look. "You should know I came here with someone."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah, who's the lucky guy...or girl?"

"What does it matter to you?" Wednesday replied icily. 

Ezra who had been listening to their conversation threw his last dart, finally popping a balloon.

"Nice try, kid," said the carny. "Keep working on that aim."

Ezra chuckled good-naturedly as he rejoined Enid and Wednesday.

Sensing the tension between Wednesday and Xavier, Ezra stepped forward. "Come on, Addams," he said. "Enid wants to go on a few more rides."

Wednesday turned and followed Ezra away from the dart game, with Enid skipping along behind them. Xavier watched them go with a slight frown before turning back to his unsuccessful attempts at darts.

…

Enid's face lit up as they approached a carousel, its vibrant lights casting a colorful glow on the crowd of festival-goers. She tugged at Ezra's sleeve, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Can we go on the carousel next, Ezra? It's my favorite!" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Ezra looked at her and nodded, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Of course, Let's do it."

Wednesday stopped in her tracks, looking at the merry-go-round with an expression of thinly veiled disdain. "I think I'll sit this one out," she said, her voice flat and unimpressed.

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "You sure, Addams?"

"Yes," she replied curtly. "I need to use the restroom anyway."

"Alright then," Ezra said. He watched as Wednesday turned and walked away, her black braids swaying behind her.

"Meet us back here?" he called after her.

"Yes, I will be back before you get off." She replied curtly. Then without turning around, Wednesday disappeared into the crowd of people.

Ezra and Enid watched as Wednesday briefly before turning around. The lights of the carousel beckoned them, and Enid eagerly pulled Ezra towards it, nearly bouncing with excitement.

"I've been waiting all night to ride this!" Enid exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she gazed at the turning carousel. "The Harvest Festival carousel is so beautiful, with all the carved woodland creatures. The deer, foxes, owls - they're so lifelike and magical! And I love how it lights up at night with all the twinkling bulbs."

Ezra grinned at his friend's enthusiasm as they approached the ride operator, an older man with a bushy mustache. After handing over their tickets, Enid made a beeline for a large pink unicorn near the center.

"This one is my favorite!" she said, deftly hopping onto the saddle and stroking the unicorn's glossy mane.

Ezra chose the black pegasus next to Enid's unicorn. As he swung his leg over the winged horse, the carved feathers and glossy painted hide reminded him of the thestrals back home at Hogwarts. His heart twinged for a moment, missing his old life and friends.

With a jolt, the carousel slowly began its rotation, the lights, and carnival music swelling. Enid leaned back in her saddle, eyes bright with delight as her pink unicorn rose up and down in a rhythmic motion.

"Isn't this magical?" she called over to Ezra, the wind catching her voice.

"It's brilliant!" he agreed, gripping the reins of his pegasus. The crisp night air rushed past as the carousel picked up speed, ruffling his hair. Ezra took in the swirling lights of the festival blurred into streaks of color. For a moment, he could let his worries slip away and simply enjoy the ride.

Glancing at Enid, Ezra saw pure joy painted across her face. Her blonde hair streamed behind her like a banner as she rode her unicorn with carefree abandon, lost in the fantasy. In that moment, he was glad to be sharing this experience with a new friend in this strange, new world.