Ch. 32 Halloween Feast

Approaching the Great Hall, I can't help but notice a pair of massive pumpkins to either side of the entrance. The top of each pumpkin reaches chest high on me.

I can't help but commend Hagrid on a job well done! These pumpkins didn't have the squished appearance expected from giant pumpkins. They had the shape and form of a smaller pumpkin, just on a much larger scale.

Clearly, magic was involved in growing these monsters.

Tilting my head as I inspect the humongous pumpkins, I get an idea!

With a bit of magic, I walk by two massive jack-o-lanterns with lavender flames burning in the eyes and gaping mouths.

I also reinforced the entire pumpkin to prevent it from collapsing in on its own weight. The reinforcements should also help with the animations!

The pumpkins won't attack anyone, even if someone crawls into their mouths, but they will attempt to scare those that venture too close!

I'm suddenly feeling better already.

Entering into the hall, I quickly notice the slight changes. The floating candles have been replaced with floating jack-o-lanterns with brightly burning flames of orange and blue.

The long tables now have a deep and smooth black finish. Colorful leaves are decorating the tabletops, between the glittering silverware.

Several bats and ghosts can even be seen moving around the enchanted ceiling.

I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of decorations.

The Great Hall is tactfully done, but I was expecting so much more from a Halloween at Hogwarts.

I debate with making a few more changes, but I was not one of the professors tasked with this year's decorations. I probably shouldn't have changed the pumpkins outside of the entrance...

Oh well! They look better now anyway, and I need a distraction from this gnawing in my gut.

Making my way to the High Table, I notice I'm not the first one here. In fact, half the professors are already gathered behind the High Table and chatting merrily. Some are even sipping from goblets with a strong alcohol smell.

Silently stepping beside Aurora as she's engrossed in a bit of gossip, I'm a bit surprised when she gently runs her fingers across my hand.

She didn't even look over to ensure it was me! I'm rather impressed with that.

I don't attempt to give her a kiss, and she doesn't make to hold my hand. We are similar in our lack of care for overly dramatic public displays of affection when in a social setting.

I have no problem with holding hands while walking down the street or even a small kiss in greeting after a short period apart. But I've always found it awkward and uncomfortable when a couple became overly passionate at a social gathering.

I could just be weird.

I try to listen in on some of the conversations, but I'm having trouble concentrating on the topics being discussed.

My mounting anxiety returned shortly after my subtle greeting with Aurora, and it is preventing me from getting too involved in any of the various conversations and gossip.

The chatter comes to a halt when Dumbledore and McGonagall enter the Great Hall.

The sight of the old goat sours my mood even further. I can't help but think how much knowledge I'm being kept from because he's watching me.

As Dumbledore reaches us, he gives a joyful smile as he looks over everyone present. "Ah. Thank you, everyone, for joining the Halloween Feast. I have just finished inspecting the dungeons, so you all can rest assured there will be no repeat of last year."

Many of those present give a humorous smile. There were even a few scattered snorts of laughter from my colleagues. Knowing what happened in the books, I find little humor in the situation.

It could also just be my annoyance at the man preventing me from finding humor in his remark.

The look of disapproval and eventual eye roll from McGonagall lets everyone know she and Dumbledore were discussing the events of last year recently.

Taking charge, McGonagall spoke up with her Scottish accent, "If everyone could find a seat, the students shall be here momentarily."

We shuffled about for a moment before finally taking our places. I somehow found myself seated to the left of Dumbledore, with Aurora seated on my other side.

With Professor Grubbly-Plank on Aurora's other side, they were quickly engrossed in a bit of gossip about some of Hogwarts' recent graduates.

I'm not sure if it's Fate or another force pushing me to interact with Dumbledore, but I don't like it.

Aurora seems to pick up on my attitude as she places her hand on my thigh. Surprisingly, it does seem to work to ease my mind. If only a little bit.

As the students begin to enter the Great Hall, Dumbledore assumes the role of the Great and Powerful Wizard. He gives a grandfatherly smile to any of the students he notices looking at him.

Once the flow of students comes to an end, Dumbledore stands and raises his hands for silence. "All Hallow's Eve, a most powerful night indeed. Tonight is not celebrated for the chance to eat our fill on chocolate and sweets. Though we will. Tonight is celebrated for its significance of life, death, and rebirth.

"This is the time to release all the negative emotions and lesser energies that trouble us, and rejoice in taking in new energy filled with life and happiness."

Pausing as he looks over each of the four tables, Dumbledore gives a joy-filled smile. "Happy Hallowe'en," He loudly announced to the gathering!

As Dumbledore is taking his seat, the tables burst to near overflowing with desserts and treats of all kinds. The Great Hall was instantly filled with the gleeful laughter of excited children.

Several of the staff members are visibly excited as our table is filled with an assortment of pies, cakes, and adult beverages.

"You seem rather distracted, Professor Dovahkiin." Dumbledore's low tone goes unnoticed by all except me.

The thought of having to interact with Dumbledore sends a thread of irritation worming through my belly. Pushing my feelings to the side, I quickly come up with an excuse.

Blocking the view of my mouth from the students with a spoon full of chocolate pie, I quietly answer, "Not the best time of year for me."

The smile on Dumbledore's wrinkled face drops for a moment. "Samhain is a day of great sorrow and pain for many. Perhaps it would help if you confide in someone?" Dumbledore asked with a suggestive tone.

My anger begins to stir at his suggestion. This man is crazy if he thinks I will confide in him, especially since he is the cause of my annoyance.

Releasing a deep breath, "I am not ready for something like that. Perhaps in time, with someone I trust, but not yet."

Aurora unexpectedly squeezed my thigh at that. As I turn toward the dark-skinned beauty, her eyes are filled with concern and support. Giving my leg another squeeze, Aurora turns back to the continued gossip of Professor Grubbly-Plank.

She really is amazing!

Seeming to catch our small interaction, Dumbledore doesn't say another word to me as the feast continues.

A quick scan of the Gryffindor table reveals the absence of the Golden Trio and Ginny Weasley.

Son of a Bitch!!!

I thought those little shits understood not to go messing around in the halls!

I can't take a chance on plot armor saving the Golden Trio. Looks like I'm changing my plans!

Standing up, I turn and give Aurora a light kiss on the lips. Speechless at my public display, I softly whisper in her ear. "Do not travel alone tonight. I'll come and find you when I can."

By the time Aurora recovers enough to stutter a response, I've already moved around the High Table. Making my way out of the side entrance by the High Table, I quickly move towards the second-floor.

With a golden flash, the appearance of my robes morphs to that of my enchanted armor.

There's going to be so many questions about this! That basilisk better put up a decent fight!

Just thinking of fighting the basilisk is filling me with dread and excitement!

The feeling of excitement is from the possibility of going all out in a fight! And the sense of dread is due to the end of my time flying under anyone's radar.

Being pushed into the public eye is a cause for concern, but that is a worry for the future.

A much closer area for concern is having to deal with the basilisk's gaze. I doubt it will kill me, but I'm not sure what the damage will be.

One way to find out!

I cast multiple Restoration spells on myself as I'm climbing the stairs to the second floor.

As I reach the top of the stairs, I realize I'm moving in complete silence. For some reason, I view this as cheating.

I don't want to get the jump on the basilisk. I don't want to ambush it from the shadows.

No.

I want it to see me coming. I want the basilisk prepared for our battle. I want to see the look of defeat in its eyes!

With a new sense of excitement and blood lust, I remove a Staff of Soul Trapping from my subspace. With unbidden joy, I begin to loudly tap the staff on the floor as I move towards Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.

As I near an intersection, I hear the unmistakable sound of hissing! The feminine touch to the noise leads me to believe it's coming from Ginny!

It's showtime!

Stepping around a corner, I immediately noticed a large pool of water in the hallway. Ahead, there was only dead silence.

They moved faster than I thought!

With a burst of inhuman speed, I recklessly sprint the short distance down the hallway.

In the blink of an eye, I reach my destination.

On the wall to my right is tall letters written in blood, shimmering in the light cast by the flaming torches.

'THE CHAMBER OF SECRE'

Below the message, hanging on a torch sconce by her tail, was Mrs. Norris, the caretaker's pet kneazle.

Looks like I interrupted before the possessed Ginny could finish her message.

Casting Detect Life, I thoroughly scan the area.

Other than the faint red glow of Mrs. Norris, there isn't any sign of life in the halls.

Putting thoughts of a petrified Mrs. Norris from my mind, I cancel the Detect Life spell.

The sight of the trail of water in the hall, sends a predatory smile spreading across my face.

It's time to hunt!