Hallowe'en - Part 2

After I closed my eyes, I woke up in a strange dream...I haven't had it in a while and I thought I wouldn't have it again, but this time I was aware of where I was. There I was, standing in front of Aunt Iris's office on the third floor of Hogwarts. I walked inside, and saw Aunt Iris at her desk, busily writing something. In the office with her was the red-haired Professor I had been warned to avoid by my aunt. Mrs. Potter. They didn't seem to notice me, and I'm beginning to believe that these dreams aren't just dreams. Looking at the calendar beside my aunt, I was shocked... I realized that the date was exactly the day after I arrived at Hogwarts... I felt a chill run down my spine. Something was wrong.

Mrs. Potter said in a dejected tone, "I thought we were friends; you could have told me that he had a child."

I've never heard my aunt speak to anyone in such a cold manner as she did when she said, "Then you thought wrong." Her tone was sharp and her eyes were fixed on the person she was speaking to, making it clear that she was not to be questioned or challenged. It was a side of her that I had never seen before and it left me feeling uneasy. It was clear that my aunt was not only uncomfortable with the conversation, but that she had very little tolerance for whatever the other person had said. Her tone, facial expression, and body language all indicated that she was not willing to budge on her position and that her patience was wearing thin. I could tell that she was trying to remain civil, but the other person didn't seem to get the hint. I wondered if there was some history between them that I wasn't aware of, or if my Aunt was just having a bad day. Either way, In hopes of learning more, I decided to listen.

"You could have at least given me a heads up," she continued. "It's a lot to take in." She sighed and looked away.

My Aunt said in the same voice, "Sounds like your problem."

"My issue, you said...you know what the Headmaster said, maybe the prophecy wasn't about Harry, but about Arthur," Mrs. Potter said in an obnoxious tone.

"I don't care what the old fart says, because of my trust, in him I didn't stand by my brother when he needed me the most, and to be honest, even if I had known about Arthur's existence earlier, I still wouldn't have said nothing, Lady Potter, and if you d-..."

my aunt's voice stopped...everything stopped...as if the time said that he was tired of working anymore, and so she took time off...I was the only one in the office who could move... It was like a surreal moment, almost like time had frozen. Everyone was still and quiet as if they were holding their breath. I felt like I was the only one in the room who was still capable of movement. Slowly, I made my way down the hallway. It was empty, and the only different thing was the foul, revolting smell. As I approached the end of the hallway, I noticed a faint light flickering from under one of the doors. My heart began to race as I wondered what could be causing that smell and who or what was behind that door.

To see what was inside, I decided to open the door. As I turned the handle, a creaking sound echoed through the hallway that noise awoke me. I rubbed my eyes I looked at the clock and realized it was still early in the morning. It was Halloween morning, and the dorm was filled with the delicious aroma of baking pumpkin. I started the day wondering if the choices I made so far were good... ...but then I reminded myself that every decision I made was based on the information I had at the time and that I can always make new choices moving forward.

In any case, I need to prepare for my encounter with the ghost tonight, so I don't have time for idle thoughts right now. following a filling breakfast. I was in Professor Slughorn's potion class, which was the first class of the day. The aroma of various potions filled the air as Professor Slughorn began his lecture on the properties of unicorn hair. Despite the early hour, I found myself fully engaged in the lesson.

After some time, we had a simple Pepper-Up Potion to brew, using Wiseman's Sage. Malfoy and I shared the work, Soon the only sound you could hear from our table was our bubbling cauldron—since Malfoy and I decided to become friends for real, we became partners in potions. I was always technically paired with Theodore —The cauldron was boiling and we had nothing to do for fifteen minutes. But since Malfoy and I started working together, our potion-making skills have improved drastically, and we finished the task in record time. It's amazing what a little teamwork can accomplish.

Hermione was seated next to the red-haired boy, as I could see by turning to look around. I could see how their cauldron was bubbling as it should, too, but Weasley had a scowl that was indelible on his face. He was usually seated next to Potter the majority of the time. I thought their potion would be finished in just a few more minutes.

"You like her, Prince?" Malfoy asked slyly with a thoughtful finger under his chin.

"Oh shove off, Malfoy," I growled.

"What's not to like? She's brainy and talented beneath all that hair," Theodore said farther off, waiting for his brew to finish with Sally-Anne, who seemed amused at the turn in the conversation.

Malfoy whispered, "I bet she's the strongest witch among first years."

"I thought you hated 'her type'," I said, baffled at Malfoy's prodding.

"We aren't living in the seventeenth century anymore," he responded cryptically.

"And since you're the last Prince, a powerful witch matters more than bloodline purity," Theodore added.

"No one says you need to marry her, of course," Malfoy supplemented.

"Marry—?" I nearly sliced my finger. "She is just an acquaintance," I said with gritted teeth, "So you and Theo should shut up and finish the lesson before—" I fell silent when Professor Slughorn came out of his back storage room, passing by each cauldron.

He inspected each of our potions carefully, nodding approvingly at some and frowning at others. I couldn't help but feel nervous as he approached our cauldron, he took a deep sniff and gave me a small smile, making me feel relieved.

By the time he arrived at Hermione's station, she was ladling the warm potion into a vial and set it on a rack to cool. Professor Slughorn looked at it carefully. "Five points to Gryffindor for an excellent example of careful brewing."

Hermione beamed, while Weasley's moody expression grew even darker.

Professor Slughorn moved on, to Neville, and Potter's cauldron looked to be a mess of nothing. "Ten points from Gryffindor for making a complete mockery of the potion-making craft." As each potion finished, Professor Slughorn awarded points—Elias and his partner earned five points, too, Me and Malfoy's potions were awarded ten points each, something that Malfoy immediately began to brag loud enough that the Gryffindors near them could hear. I sighed, some things don't change, a little competition doesn't hurt from time to time.

After we cleaned up our station, we were dismissed, and Professor Slughorn returned to his office.

Elias and I parted ways; it seems he has one more charm lesson. We made the decision to get together at Hagrid's later to assist him with carving pumpkins. I'm excited to see what kind of pumpkin designs we come up with at Hagrid's! I've heard that Hagrid is quite skilled at pumpkin carving, so I'm looking forward to learning some tips and tricks from him. It's always fun to spend time with friends and get into the Halloween spirit."

I returned to the common room to prepare for the meeting after I had finished carving the pumpkins. As I entered the room, I noticed that everyone was already there, chatting and laughing. I quickly joined in.

"Why would anyone want to celebrate the day they died?" said Draco, who was halfway through his Potions homework. "Sounds dead depressing to me. . . ."

"That's what I'm wondering too, is there any reason why you would want to go there?" Theodore enquired

"curiosity more than anything, tell me do you think you can lend me your ring today too?" I asked

"Of course, you can have it, but I just hope Arthur that you look after yourself." Theodore said "You have been pushing yourself too hard lately and I don't want you to burn out."

"Don't worry, I'll let you know how it went later," I said

So at seven o'clock, after I took Soren, my familiar with me, I walked straight past the doorway to the packed Great Hall, which was glittering invitingly with gold plates and candles, and directed their steps instead toward the dungeons The passageway leading to the party had been lined with candles, too, though the effect was far from cheerful: These were long, thin, jet-black tapers, all burning bright blue, casting a dim, ghostly light even over their own living faces. The temperature dropped with every step I took. on the way, I met the lady in gray,

"It's nice to see you again so soon, my lady"

"The pleasure is all mine Arthur," said The lady,

and then we went to the party.

As I shivered and drew my robes tightly around me, I heard what sounded like a thousand fingernails scraping an enormous blackboard. "Is that supposed to be music?" I whispered. we turned a corner and saw Nearly Headless Ghost. standing at a doorway hung with black velvet drapes. "My dear Friend, "I'm glad you were able to make it," he said mournfully." And I can see that you brought someone with you, what's your name?"

"I'm Arthur, the Belmont Prince, at your service. With whom do I have the honor?" In a voice similar to his, I responded.

"I don't think I've introduced myself, didn't I? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower. It's always nice to meet new people. Welcome, welcome . . . so pleased you could come. . . ." He swept off his plumed hat and bowed us inside.

It was an incredible sight. The dungeon was full of hundreds of pearly-white, translucent people, mostly drifting around a crowded dance floor, waltzing to the dreadful, quavering sound of thirty musical saws, played by an orchestra on a raised, black-draped platform. A chandelier overhead blazed midnight blue with a thousand more black candles. my breath rose in a mist before me; it was like stepping into a freezer. "Shall we have a look around?" The Lady suggested, wanting to warm up my feet. Careful not to walk through anyone I thought to myself, nervously, and we set off around the edge of the dance floor. We passed a group of gloomy nuns, a ragged man wearing chains, and the Fat Friar, a cheerful Hufflepuff ghost, who was talking to a knight with an arrow sticking out of his forehead.

What surprised me the most was The glare that the Bloody Baron was giving me, I had never seen him so angry before, and I couldn't help but wonder what I had done to deserve it. It made me feel uneasy and nervous as if I had unknowingly crossed a line. He was the same as the last time I saw him: a gaunt, staring Slytherin ghost with silver bloodstains who was being avoided by the other ghosts. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him in life to make him so feared and shunned even in death. Perhaps one day I'll have the courage to ask him...

"Soren food, look!" I spoke to my companion, who had been leaning silently on my shoulder.

On the other side of the dungeon was a long table, also covered in black velvet. As we approached it, the next moment stopped in our tracks, horrified. The smell was quite disgusting. Large, rotten fish was laid on handsome silver platters; cakes, burned charcoal-black, were heaped on salvers; there was a great maggoty haggis, a slab of cheese covered in furry green mold and, in pride of place, an enormous gray cake in the shape of a tombstone, with tar-like icing forming the words, Sir Nicholas de MimsyPorpington died 31st October 1492 I watched, amazed, as a portly ghost approached the table, crouched low, and walked through it, his mouth held wide so that it passed through one of the stinking salmon. "Can you taste it if you walk through it?" I asked the Lady. "Almost," said the ghost sadly, we let it rot to give it a stronger flavor," said The lady knowledgeably, pinching my nose and leaning closer to look at the putrid haggis. They had barely turned around, however, when a little man swooped suddenly from under the table and came to a halt in midair before them. "Hello, Peeves," I said cautiously. I heard the other students' complaints about him after the nightmare, but this was the first time I saw him face to face. He leaves me alone. I was relieved to hear that, but still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease whenever he was around. Unlike the ghosts around them, Peeves the Poltergeist was the very reverse of pale and transparent. He was wearing a bright orange party hat, a revolving bow tie, and a broad grin on his wide, wicked face. "Nibbles?" he said sweetly, offering them a bowl of peanuts covered in fungus. "No thanks," I answered. He nodded before moving on to annoy someone else. It was clear that he enjoyed getting on people's nerves, and it seemed like nothing could stop him from doing so.

"how do you like the party... I think you would have preferred to be upstairs, with the others... I'm sorry... if you felt obliged to accompany me... " The lady said in a sad voice

"I appreciate your concern, but I enjoyed spending time with you. It was a nice change of pace from the usual crowd." I answered back cheerfully I smiled, "Probably the next Halloween you'll also come up there, to switch things up." I said, trying to sound optimistic. "It would be great to have you with us."

"Perhaps it doesn't sound too bad." She said

Nearly Headless Nick now drifted toward them through the crowd. "Enjoying yourselves?" "Oh, yes," we said. "Not a bad turnout," said Nearly Headless Nick proudly. "The Wailing Widow came all the way up from Kent. . . . It's nearly time for my speech, I'd better go and warn the orchestra. . . ." The orchestra, however, stopped playing at that very moment. They, and everyone else in the dungeon, fell silent, looking around in excitement, as a hunting horn sounded. "Oh, here we go," said Nearly Headless Nick bitterly. Through the dungeon wall burst a dozen ghost horses, each ridden by a headless horseman. The assembly clapped wildly; I started to clap, too but stopped quickly at the sight of Nick's face. The horses galloped into the middle of the dance floor and halted, rearing and plunging. At the front of the pack was a large ghost who held his bearded head under his arm, from which position he was blowing the horn. The ghost leaped down, lifted his head high in the air so he could see over the crowd (everyone laughed), and strode over to Nearly Headless Nick, squashing his head back onto his neck. "Nick!" he roared. "How are you? Head still hanging in there?" He gave a hearty guffaw and clapped Nearly Headless Nick on the shoulder. "Welcome, Patrick," said Nick stiffly. "Live 'uns!" said Sir Patrick, spotting me and Soren and giving a huge, fake jump of astonishment, so that his head fell off again (the crowd howled with laughter). . "Very amusing," said Nearly Headless Nick darkly. "Don't mind Nick!" shouted Sir Patrick's head from the floor. "Still upset we won't let him join the Hunt! But I mean to say - look at the fellow -" "I think," i said hurriedly, at a meaningful look from Nick, "Nick's very - frightening and - er -" "Ha!" yelled Sir Patrick's head. "Bet he asked you to say that!" "If I could have everyone's attention, it's time for my speech!" said Nearly Headless Nick loudly, striding toward the podium and climbing into an icy blue spotlight. "My late lamented lords, ladies, and gentlemen, it is my great sorrow . . ." But nobody heard much more. Sir Patrick and the rest of the Headless Hunt had just started a game of Head Hockey and the crowd was turning to watch. Nearly Headless Nick tried vainly to recapture his audience but gave up as Sir Patrick's head went sailing past him to loud cheers. I was very cold by now, not to mention hungry. "I can't stand much more of this," I muttered, my teeth chattering, as the orchestra ground back into action and the ghosts swept back onto the dance floor.

"But I have to have a dance with you," I said, extending my hand toward her. She hesitated for a moment before taking it and joining him on the dance floor.

It can be strange dancing with a ghost because I couldn't feel anything, but I tried to mimic the other people's movements. Her very rare smile was the only thing that made me try my best. As I moved around the dance floor, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to dance with her in the flesh, to feel her warmth and her breath on my skin. But for now, I was content with the memory of her smile as we danced together. I knew that it was just my imagination, but I couldn't help feeling like she was there with me. It was a bittersweet moment, but I cherished it nonetheless.

After the dance, I heard her whisper, "Thank you." She seemed to have enjoyed the dance and was appreciative of my efforts. At that, I couldn't help but grin. Her smile was infectious and I felt a sense of pride in my ability to make her happy.

"I think it's time to go, what do you say?" She said with a smile on her pale face

"If you would like, we can stay longer. " I can withstand it for a little while longer despite the cold

"You're shivering, Arthur, but I appreciate you being so kind to me," she said

I smiled weakly, "It's nothing."

"Let's go," The Lady said. we backed toward the door, nodding and beaming at anyone who looked at us, and a minute later were hurrying back up the passageway full of black candles.

"Pudding might not be finished yet," The lady said amused

"I hope not, I'm starving, what are you saying, maybe you can show me where the kitchen is? " I asked full of hope

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. What did you say?" the Lady replied, looking confused. "Sure, follow me and I'll show you where the kitchen is," she added with a small chuckle.

leading the way toward the steps... And then I heard it. " I could hear a loud roar coming from the women's restroom."

I hastened in the direction I could hear the monster's roar coming from. My heart was pounding in my chest as I realized that I was getting closer to danger. I tried to steady my breathing and prepared myself for whatever lay ahead. I could hear The lady calling my name, but I couldn't stop, The closer I got, the more I could smell the same terrible smell that I had in the dream.

What greeted me when I arrived was something I didn't think I would see here. It was a horrible sight. Twelve feet tall, its skin was a dull, granite grey, its great lumpy body like a boulder with its small bald head perched on top like a coconut. It had short legs thick as tree trunks with flat, horny feet. The smell coming from it was incredible. It was holding a huge wooden club, which dragged along the floor because its arms were so long, a Troll, but what scared me the most was not the Troll but his target,

Hermione Granger was shrinking against the wall opposite, looking as if she was about to faint. The troll was advancing on her, knocking the sinks off the walls as it went.

In the distance, two boys' voices could be heard; this is definitely not ideal. More kids equal more victims... I must first get him away from her, but how? As if reading my mind, my crow familiar, Soren, flew towards the troll. I could see the troll getting distracted by Soren's presence, giving me the perfect opportunity to make my move and separate him from her.

As the troll began to pursue Soren down a barren hallway, I followed him because every bone in my body commanded me to expel this monster from this location. My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched Soren fly for his life, hoping that we could find a way to defeat the troll before it was too late.

Soren managed to claw the troll's eyes with a fortunate shot. The troll roared in pain and stumbled backward, giving Soren a chance to escape. He quickly turned and flew towards the safety of the forest, my was heart pounding with adrenaline. I only have one spell in my arsenal that can affect the troll, and I detest using it because I can only use it once before it completely consumes me.

"Sectumsempra" I roared with all my might

Following the casting of my magic, a loud sound that seemed as though it were tearing through reality with force could be heard in the hallway. As if slashed by an ethereal sword, blood spurted from the troll's face and chest. He stumbled back and fell to one knee. The troll let out a guttural roar and reached for his weapon, The troll's weapon was a massive club that glinted in the dim light. As he lifted it high above his head, I knew I had to act fast to avoid being crushed.

When the Gray Lady arrived at my place, I could tell how shocked she was, seeing the troll , I could hear her saying as if whispering

" In this school…In Hogwarts, monsters have no place. Hogwarts wouldn't have permitted your entry…if only...Albus...that cant be…."

and with a voice full of power she continued

"But for now, you have to be stopped...that's all I know. in the name of Helena Ravenclaw daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, I order you to Hogwarts, protect your students, and stop this monster from hurting them!" two sets of armor began to move toward the troll, blocking every move...that he could make... The clanging of metal echoed through the Hallway as the Armor closed in on the beast, determined to protect the castle and its students from its wrath. The troll roared in frustration, realizing it was outnumbered and outmatched.

"Belmont!!! I'm aware you're here, Belmont. The troll's voice was filled with so much hatred. Belmont, please don't assume that I have forgotten who you are. We never forget. The beast yelled Its roar sending shivers down my spine. the fear consumed me as I stood frozen in front of the creature, Something changed as soon as the monster called my name. I picked up a sword that had fallen from a set of armor after something inside of me snapped, and I moved in the direction of the troll with a speed I had never before displayed. I held the sword in my hand like I had been holding it my entire life. The troll stood still, surprised by my sudden burst of energy. As I approached it, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, and I knew that I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, Soren showed me where to strike him, and I did so by delivering a powerful blow to the troll's eyes. The troll let out a deafening roar as it stumbled backward, trying to regain its balance. I took a step back, ready to strike again if necessary, but the troll fell to the ground and did not move, defeated by my bravery and Soren's guidance.

The woman I spent the majority of the evening with gave me a dejected look and said, "You should leave Arthur; the teachers will come; don't worry; no one will find out what you did today if you don't want them to find out... Later, we'll speak... I felt a knot in my stomach as I realized the gravity of the situation. I took a life today for the first time. I knew that it was a matter of self-defense, but the weight of taking another person's life was heavy on my conscience. When I looked at my hands, they were stained with the troll's blood. I remained focused on the ring and vanished. I have to get rid of everything before I can return to the room...

After surviving a harrowing and violent attack, I managed to make my way to the nearest public restroom. As I approached one of the sinks, I dared to look up into the mirror and saw that my face was stained with blood. Overcome with emotion and overwhelmed by the events of the night, I let out a loud sob.

Barely able to contain myself, I stumbled back against the wall and slid down until I was sitting on the ground. For what felt like hours, I sat there in shock, unable to move or comprehend what had happened.

Suddenly, a voice startled me out of my trance. When I turned around, I heard a girl's voice and realized it was a ghost. She has thick glasses, lank hair, and a squat build. Her glum face is hidden by the latter. My spine tingled as I looked at the spectral girl, who had a sad expression on her face. She spoke once more, "Saving that girl was the right thing to do." I stood up and faced the girl. "You think so?" I asked, with a shiver running down my spine "I don't just think so, I know so," she replied with a confident grin, making me even more uneasy. I heard someone knocking on the window, and when I turned to see who it was, I recognized it was my Familiar Soren. Relieved to see Soren, I quickly opened the window and let him in, hoping he could provide some clarity to the unsettling conversation. As he perched on my shoulder, Soren always had a way of calming my nerves." I'm glad to see that you are well...thanks for what you did there..." Soren looked at me with a face as if to say "You expected less from me" I then turned to face the Ghost. "What is your name,?" I questioned her, my voice still trembling. "Moaning Myrtle" she replied.

"Then, Myrtle, I see you know what happened," I said. Myrtle cut me off. "Naturally, I am aware; all the ghosts and portraits are aware." She said

"What do you mean?" I asked. She replied, "I mean that, as a ghost myself, I am conscious of the other spirits and paintings that inhabit this castle." I stared at her in disbelief, trying to comprehend the reality of what she had just revealed. Does that mean you're all linked together? in a specific way?" I asked "Yes, we are all linked together in a specific way through our shared experiences and connections. Our interactions and relationships shape the way we relate to each other and create a network or something similar, that binds us together. to the castle, this network isn't active all the time, It only applies on special occasions and special orders, the only ones who can give orders are the founders, of course" "And what occasion was this?" I asked

"A child of the founders, she asked us to be quiet. and not tell anyone what happened." She answered with a faint smile on her lips, "I promise to keep it a secret and not share it with anyone."

I started to feel better, "I appreciate you telling me this; it makes me feel better, but could you please explain why you believe I made the right decision in killing that creature?" The woman took a deep breath and replied, "I have seen the destruction those creatures can cause, and sometimes it's necessary to make tough decisions for the greater good. I believe you did what needed to be done to protect others." I was at a loss for words and could only nod. I am aware that Hermione might have suffered harm or worse if I hadn't intervened..."Even if you believe what you did was wrong, Arthur, trust me when I say that you did the right thing. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be saved in time by a hero." When she said that, she sobbed. "You look tired, Arthur;you should go to bed and rest; a little sleep might be beneficial."Myrtle... To be honest, all I want is to be by myself." I said

"I get it, but I don't think sleeping in a bathroom would be all that cozy, but I think I know a place where it can be ideal for what you need right now, or rather for everything you need at any time," Myrtle said. " Follow me." Without further ado, Myrtle led the way down the hallway and up a flight of stairs to an Empty Hallway with a large window overlooking the landscape of Hogwarts, "This was my secret hideaway, back in the day" she whispered.

"An empty hallway?" I prompted her

"A door will appear when someone needs it badly and contains what the individual needs at that time." She said I was skeptical at first, but then I witnessed it myself The door seemed to materialize out of nowhere, and I couldn't believe my eyes. I entered it and was greeted by an empty room that contained nothing. The room was so silent that I could hear my breathing. I wondered if I had entered a different dimension or if it was just a trick in my mind.

"Consider what you want, and the room will provide it for you," Myrtle uttered

OK, let's check it out. When I concentrated on what I desired, the space began to transform into a cozy bedroom, at least temporarily. The bedroom was decorated with warm colors and had a comfortable queen-sized bed in the center. The walls were adorned with beautiful paintings and there was a large window that allowed natural light to flood the room. I was amazed at how the room looked...Myrtle started to smile and told me that the name of this room is The Room of Requirement II think I'm going to bed, I told Myrtle. "Goodnight, see you around," Myrtle said with a nod. As she disappeared, she grinned. I wondered what she was grinning about, but I decided not to dwell on it and instead headed back to my room to get some rest.