A bone chilling wind howled so loudly it could be heard through the heavy stone walls of the castle. The windows rattled and everything creaked, the tower itself even seemed to sway a bit. October had been more beautiful than any painting could ever depict, with Autumn leaves scattered about the grounds and days drenched in a warm hue. The air had been crisp, perfect for jumpers, and the smell of crackling log fires was ever present. That night, however, Mother Nature set the tone for the upcoming event.
A storm was rolling in. Dark clouds billowed like a heavy exhale of pipe smoke. It was the first storm of the month, it would also be the last and only, as it was the 31st. How absolutely perfect, Hermione thought to herself as she pressed against the cold glass of her dormitory window. A Halloween storm that has been picking up steam for a month, the prospect alone caused goosebumps to sprout on her arms, but in the best way.
Hermione loved this time of year, and for the first time in a long time it was not plagued by a smothering sense of impending doom or despair. It felt nearly as lighthearted as it had when she was a child. Five months had passed since the war ended and Voldemort had at last been thwarted. The first couple months following were blurry as everyone mourned their losses and strived to heal and rebuild, but the future was hopeful once again and the feeling was intoxicating.
Hermione returned to Hogwarts to complete her seventh year, as did a few others including Draco Malfoy, who like the trio had not attended his final year but for very different reasons. Harry and Ron had chosen not to return, having already accepted positions at the ministry as aurors. But they visited often, welcomed with open arms by newly appointed Headmistress McGonagall. Much to Hermione's delight, Harry had owled to let her know he and Ron would be there for the Halloween celebration.
Hogwarts was celebrating in a different manner than usual, adopting some muggle traditions which included fashioning a costume. Growing up in the muggle world, Hermione experienced Halloween in a very different way than many of her fellow Hogwarts students. As a child, it gave her a rush of adrenaline. She recalled practically being able to taste the magic in the air. Come to find out of course the magic had been within her all along. But somehow, Halloween made it seem so tangible.
Hermione had memories of taking strolls through the park after dusk with her parents, hearing the leaves crunch beneath her feet. She swore the owls turned their heads to watch as she passed. She remembered traveling to a pumpkin patch on the countryside to choose the perfect specimen, then carving it a face with the help of her father and his pocket knife. Her mother would pull the traditional decorations from the dusty attic and Hermione helped her transform their home into a magical haven. They made popcorn balls together to leave out for treaters. Both parents told her stories of goblins and ghosts before bed and she would dream of such creatures in a world to which both she and they belonged.
Like other muggle children, she donned a costume. Amongst her favorites was a particular one from age seven. Hermione had requested a flowing emerald dress with a matching pointed hat adorned with shimmering silver stars and a knobby stick to complete the ensamble. Her parents escorted her through the winding neighborhood streets as she eagerly rang doorbells and knocked knockers, accepting treats and compliments along with the occasional apple. Hermione's parents were dentists and she was normally not allowed candy or sweets, with the exception of Halloween. She was permitted to keep about a third of what was collected and she indulged merrily until the stash was depleted.
Those innocent, youthful days sometimes seemed a lifetime away, but the fluttering in her stomach and the electricity in the air come Halloween felt the same. Hermione pulled herself from the memories and away from the window, which was now speckled with raindrops that reflected onto her skin, creating a watercolor effect. She crossed the room to check the mirror. Normally she wasn't concerned with her appearance, but costumes excited her and being a perfectionist, she put as much effort into them as she would her History of Magic homework.
Hermione cast a glamour charm on her hair, turning it a vivid shade of red to complete her look. She fastened a heavy necklace with a midnight blue, faux jewel around her throat and tugged at the hem of her elbow length gloves. As she gave herself a final appraising glance, a clap of thunder accompanied a flash of lighting. Satisfied with her ensemble, Hermione headed for the portrait hole.
The castle decorations had exceeded expectations. Hermione had always found Hogwarts to be warm and welcoming, but a gloomy haze had gone undetected over the years, that is until it lifted. When Voldermort fell the whole castle became more vibrant and alive than ever, as did those in it. Most of them anyway, Hermione thought as she passed Moaning Myrtle in the hallway. The glum ghost gave her a wary look through her spectacles. Yes, everyone was lively with the exception of the ghosts and one student.
Malfoy had not recovered well post war. His mother was pardoned with a helpful push from Harry, but his father was not so lucky, serving time in Azkaban once more for his death eater affiliations. Malfoy was no longer sneering or commanding attention. He seemed transparent as any ghost, no longer belonging, probably grieving the loss of one of his closest friends. Though he was a man now, Malfoy looked more like a boy than ever. Hermione felt something close to pity for his lost soul, but she was alone is this. The others had cast him out despite the four Hogwarts houses now freely mixing in a way she had never seen in her previous years at school. Alone Malfoy sat, isolated from even his usual few companions at the Slytherin table, if you could call it the Slytherin table considering it now also consisted partly of Hufflepuffs, a handful of Ravenclaws, and a few Grydfindors. He had earned an unshakable reputation as the youngest marked death eater and students were not shy about shunning him. Hermione shook the thought of poor Malfoy away like a bothersome fly and made her way to the Great Hall.
It was nearly 7:00. Fourth year students and below had only been permitted to attend the costume ball until 9, but they had not been left out of the fun. McGonagall had planned what she described as something Dumbledore wanted desperately to put on, but was always outvoted by fellow prestigious board members who did not wish to adopt muggle nonsense.
McGonagall herself said it felt like the appropriate time to make new traditions. She enlisted Hermione's help, as well as a few other students also knowledgable on muggle tradition. After much scrupulous planning, the day had come, and Hogwarts was buzzing excitedly. Plump pumpkins had been harvested from Hagrid's garden that afternoon for the students to manually carve. At 5:00 a trick-or-treat was organized so the first and second years were able to parade down the corridors, knocking on classroom doors to receive candy from staff and prefects, but they had to beware of a lurking Peeves, who in spirit of the holiday was full of trickery more so than usual. For the third and fourth years, it had been arranged for them to view muggle Halloween films on a conjured projection screen after they left the ball, giving them an 11:00 curfew.
According to McGonagall, Dumbledore had long thought that muggleborn and half-blood students should be accommodated so they were able to hold onto their own traditions while attending Hogwarts, not shamed or outcast for their so-called mockery of the magical world. Dumbledore hoped that such traditions could be shared equally amongst all those wishing to participate regardless of blood
status.
Hermione recalled the invitation posted on the bulletin board. It was printed on royal purple parchment and showed a banner held by flapping bats which read "the First Annual Halloween Costume Ball in Honor of our Late Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore" and in acid green script was the date, time, and a couple sentences urging all to come and sport a costume based on muggle culture. Hermione was curious to see who obliged.
Ginny Weasley caught up to Hermione right before they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, at least, she thought it was Ginny. The red head to was nearly unrecognizable in her leafy green bodysuit with gold and green leaves flourishing around her eyes and olive stained lips.
"I'm poisoned oak!" Ginny stated excitedly when Hermione looked her up and down.
Hermione laughed. "Poison Ivy," she corrected Ginny, "a villain from a muggle superhero movie!"
"Whatever," Ginny shrugged "I ordered it from a muggle costume shop! The girl in the picture had red hair like me and I thought I could wear it better."
The pair pushed through shimmering curtains of bewitched cobwebs into the Great Hall. The jack-o-lanterns carved by all the students earlier that day hovered high above, contrasting brightly against the stormy, enchanted ceiling, smiling warmly and winking if you caught their eye. Thick, lavender fog billowed across the floor and came up to almost their knees. An enormous, bubbling cauldron was brewing what Hermione assumed to be cider, as it filled the room with a cinnamon apple aroma. Pumpkin juice and butter beer were available as well, and a large array of delicious looking sweets and lollies were arranged on an orange tablecloth amidst melting, inky black candles that had electric green flames. Finger sandwiches and meats on toothpicks were piled high on antique platters. It all looked so enticing. Hermione tried brush away the thought of how much work this all was for the house elves.
Upon further inspection Hermione spotted an apple bobbing contest, which most students seemed to be wary of. The Hogwarts ghosts were gliding serenely throughout the room adding to it's aesthetic, including Gryffindor's Ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, who was nearest them.
"Happy Death Day, Sir Nicholas!" Hermione said.
"Thank you, dear Miss Granger! My 506th, I do believe. I've nearly lost count," the ghost chortled and drifted away right through a startled looking second year.
"There's Luna!" Ginny pointed.
A dreamy eyed blonde was swaying to no music. The Weird Sisters weren't scheduled to play until 8:00. Luna wore her fair hair in pigtails and had on a sky blue, baby doll dress. She seemed taller than usual, and Hermione realized she wore white platform shoes that added at least 4 inches to her height. Luna must have felt their eyes on her, because she came out of her trance abruptly and looked directly at them. Hermione and Ginny approached hunti
"Luna! Your costume! What is it?" Ginny inquired.
"Baby Spice," Luna replied simply.
"Excuse me?" Ginny asked bemused, but Hermione grinned.
"A member of a popular muggle girl band," Hermione answered.
"You must be Mother Nature," Luna smiled at Ginny, "I've never met her, but you do a lovely impression," she said genuinely. Ginny beamed. "I'm not sure who you're impersonating Hermione, but you look stunning as well," Luna added politely.
"Thanks Luna, I am actually dressed as a fictional character from a muggle film," Hermione explained.
"I can't believe we haven't seen Harry or Ron yet!" Ginny interjected looking anxiously around the room.
Harry had owled that morning to let Ginny know that he and Ron would be arriving by Floo. He had playfully added that she was to seek him out at the ball, if she was able. Harry knew Ginny loved a challenge.
"Why do muggles do this? I can't hardly pick out anyone in here!" Ginny groaned.
Hermione was impressed that most students participated in the costume aspect of the celebration, and they all seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it, with one exception.
Leaning on a tall table running a pale finger round the rim or his goblet was a bored looking Draco Malfoy dressed in a full muggle tuxedo which suited him quite well, Hermione thought ruefully.
"The git does look rather dapper, does he not?" Ginny grimaced, following Hermione's line of vision. Hermione scoffed in response and averted her gaze. "There!" Ginny shrieked and she broke out into a run.
Hermione hoped Ginny was right in her guess, because she full on tackled her prey to the ground. Luna distracted Hermione momentarily by adding to Ginny's commentary, unaware of the redhead's sudden disappearance. "He is charming in a strange way, intriguing, don't you think? His eyes don't allow you to see his thoughts."
Hermione was pondering Luna's words when Ginny returned. "It was only Neville. I gave him quite a fright, but he said he appreciated the enthusiastic greeting," Ginny beamed. Hermione laughed.
The three girls chattered and walked. The atmosphere of the room was electric, magic seemed to reverberate off the walls. Above, the enchanted ceiling's storm was providing lovely sound effects.
"That's him!" Ginny shrieked. "I'm certain!"
She bounded away once more, taking another unknowing opponent to the ground. Seconds later she became upright once more locked in a tight embrace. She had knocked Harry's mask right off. Hermione smiled and went to greet her friends. Ron had apparently jumped out of the way, looking mildly surprised but not overall shocked at Ginny's tactics. Hermione hugged him rather awkwardly. Though their friendship had survived an almost relationship that fizzled quickly, physical contact had become strange.
Hermione wrapped one arm round Harry's shoulder as he was still clutching Ginny who pecked kisses all over his face. Hermione assessed the duo's costumes. It looked as though they had chosen to come as Batman and Robin. How perfect, Hermione thought as the villainess Poison Ivy ruffled Harry's dark hair.
"Great costume, Hermione!" Harry grinned.
"Thanks! You too! Both of you," she replied, including Ron who reddened slightly.
"Care for some cider? I think I heard a couple fifth years talking about spiking it on the way in," Ron said looking hopeful.
"Honestly, everything you've been through and you need alcohol to give you a rush?" Hermione tutted.
"Rush? I need it to take the bloody edge off!" He retorted light heartedly. "Well, we'll have to go through Malfoy to get it, looks as if he's trying to reach the bottom. Honestly surprised he didn't come as a ferret, for old times sake you know."
Hermione looked and Malfoy was indeed refilling the goblet he'd obviously drained since her first glance.
"I'm not thirsty," Harry said absently.
"Me either," Ginny added as she pulled Harry across the dance floor.
"The costumes have been a big help anyway," Ron continued. "Haven't been bombarded since we arrived. Have gotten some curious looks though."
"Well, I'm glad you both came," Hermione said honestly. "Listen, we will catch up in a bit, okay?"
"Sure, Hermione," Ron said noticing Luna, who had only just caught up, for the first time. Hermione was grateful for his mingled confusion and curiosity of Luna's minidress, and she slipped away to the cauldron.
Malfoy had not moved, instead he stood draining his goblet leisurely, apparently saving himself the walk for another refill. He raised only his eyes when Hermione approached, but blinked twice before any sign of recognition became obviowice
"Alright, Granger?" He greeted in a flat tone.
"Malfoy," She nodded, reaching for the ladle.
"Allow me, filling drinks is my expertise this evening," Malfoy smirked. Draining is more like it, she thought, slightly ruffled at his unexpected manners, and thought twice before accepting the drink he offered. She took it and cautiously put it to her lips. Mystery solved, the cider was spiked, Hermione thought as a tingly burn separate from the temperature of the beverage stung her throat.
"Merlin," she choked.
"Ah, not a fan of fire whiskey?" he smirked.
"No, I am most certainly not," she replied, draining her goblet anyway.
"Another?" Malfoy asked in such a polite tone it simultaneously dripped with sarcasm.
"No, thanks," she sputtered, and turned to leave. "Nice costume, by the way," she added cheekily.
"It's no costume Granger. We were asked to wear muggle garb. As I don't fancy the humiliation of walking around as a pirate, or an overgrown bat," he shot a look in Harry's direction, "I chose the most dignified muggle attire I came across," he gestured the expensive black tux. Yep, definitely still a prat, Hermione thought. "And you're supposed to be?" Malfoy asked, eyeing her up and down.
She shifted uncomfortably, but refused to let him spoil her fun. "Er, you wouldn't get it, really, it's difficult-"
"Try me," he interrupted, crossing his arms and arching a brow. Hermione found it difficult to look away from him. He had smoothed back his hair, reminding her of the way he looked in their early school years, but it complimented his debonair attire now. She shook it off, that irksome fly.
"What do you care, anyway? I'm sure you find this all moronic."
"Quite," Malfoy nodded with a stony expression. She rolled her eyes and turned to leave. "Later Granger, try not to drown in that apple bobbing nonsense," he called. She heard the clink of him refilling his goblet, but she did not look back.