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Chapter 28: Halloween Dinner

"Today, we'll be learning about biological transfiguration, which is more complex than regular object transfiguration. Pay close attention—"

Professor McGonagall lectured while chalk automatically inscribed key points on the blackboard.

"—Alright, does anyone know the dangers of biological transfiguration?"

The classroom was silent, devoid of the usual impatiently raised hands. After a moment, someone hesitantly raised theirs.

"Mandy Brock?" Professor McGonagall encouraged, looking towards Ravenclaw's Mandy Brock.

Standing up, Mandy began, "There are four main risks. Firstly, incomplete transfigurations can cause severe irritation to creatures, possibly leading them to attack wizards. Secondly..."

Wade glanced around the classroom. Not spotting the familiar brown-haired figure, he turned to Michael beside him.

"Have you seen Hermione?"

Michael also scanned the room. "Maybe she's feeling unwell and resting in the dormitory? Professor McGonagall didn't mention anything."

It made sense, yet Wade felt an inexplicable unease.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall gave them a stern look, prompting them to fall silent immediately, not daring to speak further.

After class, students poured out into the corridors. Wade navigated through the bustling halls and found Harry and Ron.

"Excuse me, Potter, Weasley."

Ron involuntarily took a step back, uneasy. "W-What's up, Gray?"

"Have you seen Hermione?" Wade asked directly. "Why wasn't she in Transfiguration class?"

Harry glanced at Ron, who looked guilty. "How would I know? We don't keep track of Granger!"

Wade narrowed his eyes, staring directly into Ron's.

Ron shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Wade's gaze. He grabbed Harry and said abruptly, "If that's all, we're going to rest!"

As Ron pulled Harry away, a voice called out from behind them—

"Harry Potter!"

Harry turned to see Wade staring at him intently. "Do you really not know what happened?"

Under Wade's gaze, Harry felt exposed, as though dragged into daylight with a dry mouth.

He wanted to defend his friend, but he couldn't lie.

"Hermione, she... she cried after Charms class," Harry finally whispered. "We didn't see her after that—I'm sorry."

With that, Ron tugged Harry away. Wade stood there, unmoving, brows furrowed in thought, trying to unlock the mystery of Hermione's disappearance.

"Could they have had a disagreement?" Michael suggested thoughtfully. "Hermione's quite serious; it wouldn't be surprising if she clashed with those Gryffindors. Let's go; we can ask what's going on later."

Wade nodded.

Not far behind them, Padma tapped her fingers thoughtfully, then hurried to catch up with her twin sister, speaking to her in hushed tones.

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In the evening, the Great Hall was adorned for Halloween, a massive jack-o'-lantern dangling from the ceiling and colorful skulls decorating the walls. Countless bats swooped and danced overhead, occasionally clustering into swirling dark clouds. The jack-o'-lantern flames flickered.

Though dinner had yet to begin, students from all four houses filled the seats, and professors trickled in. Dumbledore, now clad in a Halloween-themed costume—a pumpkin-orange robe with a tiny bat motif on his hat—chatted with Professor McGonagall.

Wade glanced down the lengthy Gryffindor table, but the chatter drowned any trace of Hermione.

Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. Before Wade could turn, a faint fragrance reached his nose.

Padma pushed aside Anthony, who sat nearby, leaning closer. "I know where Granger is."

Wade asked, "She didn't come to dinner?"

"No," Padma brushed her hair back, whispering, "Parvati—my sister, in Gryffindor—mentioned that after Charms, Ron Weasley said something awful about Hermione. Called her a nightmare and worse."

"Ron Weasley?" Michael leaned over, surprised. "He said that? I thought Hermione would have hexed him on the spot."

"She cried. Spent ages in the bathroom." Padma emphasized, "She's really upset, refusing comfort from anyone. Parvati requested she skip afternoon Transfiguration. I just checked the bathroom; she's still there."

"I'll go check on her," Wade decided immediately.

"I'll come with you."

"But dinner's about to start. I've been saving my appetite all day," Michael muttered. Watching Wade stride out of the hall, he sighed and followed.

As students streamed into the hall, a few moved against the tide. Harry, seated at the Gryffindor table, spotted Wade leaving. Amidst the Halloween revelry, he'd almost forgotten recent events—until now, when a chill washed over him, recalling everything.

"Ron!" Harry grabbed his friend's arm. "Hermione still isn't back?"

Ron, focused on the upcoming feast, shrugged. "Doesn't seem like it. What's the matter?"

"I saw Gray and the others leaving—probably to find Hermione," Harry said.

"They're Ravenclaws, mate. They get along with Granger. They'll sort it out," Ron replied nonchalantly.

Frustrated by Hermione's lectures, his guilt over her tears had long faded. Instead, her condescending "advice" only fueled his annoyance.

"But..." Harry hesitated. "They're Ravenclaws, but Hermione's one of us, in Gryffindor!"

A bat, guided by Fred's wand, swooped onto Ron's head, eliciting laughter. Unperturbed, Ron shooed it away, oblivious to Harry's concern.

After a moment's pause, Harry left his seat before dinner began, bolting out of the hall. Dumbledore and Snape watched his departure simultaneously, exchanging a glance as they observed his exit.

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