Chapter 7- Halloween
The next morning, everyone was talking about Mildred, Harry, Maud, Enid, Ron and Hermione-but especially about Mildred, as it was her snail spell that had saved everyone. But Mildred had something else on her mind. The Halloween ball was that evening, and in the commotion and excitement, she had nearly forgotten about it. "Who am I going to go with, Maud?" Mildred asked her friend.
"Hasn't your boyfriend Merlin loppy lugs asked you?" sneered Ethel as she walked past. "Oh shut up Ethel," retorted Maud.
"That's it! Exclaimed Mildred.
"What's it? Asked Maud, but Mildred was already running out of the room.
Mildred found Merlin near Camelot College's rooms. "Oh, hi, Mildred," he said. "Has anyone asked you to the ball?"
"Well, no." replied Mildred.
"I don't have anyone either," said Merlin, going red.
"But you're a boy; you're supposed to do the asking." Mildred pointed out.
"well…" said Merlin, will you go with me?"
"Of course." Mildred smiled.
That evening, everyone made their way to the Great Hall, dressed in their best robes. Everyone gathered in the Entrance Hall, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and the six Headmasters and Headmistresses welcomed everyone to the ball. The Great Hall had been decorated for Halloween, with live bats and giant Jack-o lanterns. Dumbledore started to dance with Miss Cackle, and Egbert Hellebore danced with Miss Pentangle. But Igor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime just looked at each other, and went to find other dance partners.
Mildred and Merlin found Maud, who was with Neville. Ron and Hermione had come together, and Harry had brought Ginny weasley, Ron's sister. Enid showed up with Charlie blossom, and reported that Ethel was with Malfoy. Then, they spotted Miss Hardbroom. She was with Snape, and had her long hair out. Both were wearing black. "She's got hair!" exclaimed Ron, and Mildred, Maud and Enid fell about laughing. Miss Hardbroom glared at them, and walked away with Snape. Then the food arrived, in the form of a delicious Halloween-themed feast.
The usual long tables had been replaced with many smaller ones, each seating about 10 people. Mildred, Merlin, Harry and all their friends occupied a table together. The table next to theirs was occupied by Ethel and Malfoy, along with Pansy, Druscilla, Baz, Gaz, Crabbe and Goyle.
"I can't believe Mildred Hubble and Harry potter are getting all the attention again!" grumbled Ethel.
"There's got to be a way to get back at them." Said Pansy.
"But all the teachers like them at the moment, expecially Mildred." Said Druscilla.
"We'll see about that." Said Malfoy.
"Yes," agreed Ethel. "They won't be very popular after we're done."
Mildred and Merlin were quite enjoying themselves. The food was delioucous, and as she reached for more pumpkin pie, Mildred wished that school dinners were always like this. But then, something strange happened. The pie stated moving on its own. "Enid, stop it," said Mildred.
"It's not me." Said Enid.
Suddenly, the pie took off for the staff table. "Oh no!" yelled Mildred, grabbing at it. People looked at her, and the whole school was watching when the pie exploded over the teachers.
"MILDRED HUBBLE!!" roared Miss Hardbroom.
"But it wasn't me!" pleaded Mildred.
"It was your pie, was it not?"
"But…"
"It wasn't Mildred!" said Merlin. Everyone looked at him. "It was Ethel, I saw her," Merlin continued. "And Malfoy too."
"You're sure?" asked Miss Cackle, trying to ignore the pumpkin pie around her mouth.
"Yes!" replied Merlin.
"And I swear no one at our table cast a spell," added Maud.
"Ethel hallow and Draco Malfoy." Said Dumbledore. "What do you have to say?"
As Ethel and Malfoy confessed, Mildred hugged Merlin. "That was brave of you, to do that," she said. Merlin's face went red. Dumbledore told Ethel and Malfoy that their teachers, Professor Snape and Miss Hardbroom, would decide their punishment the next day. The teachers cleaned up with a bit of magic, and everyone started dancing again. Fenella and Griselda were with Fred and George weasley. Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood were chatting with Sybil and Clarice; they friendly with each other from having classes together. Snape and Miss Hardbroom continued to attract attention. "They are perfect for each other." Said Enid, watching them.
"Tell me about it." Said Harry.
"How do you stand potions with them both in the same room?" asked Charlie.
"I don't know," said Mildred.
"We just have to," said Fenny and Gris, appearing behind them, and they all laughed.
Desert arrived, with lots of delicious cakes and sweets. Dumbledore and Miss Cackle seemed to especially enjoy all the sweet things. The ball lasted most of the night, and the first rays of light were creeping over the horizon as they headed off to bed.
"Merlin loppy lugs is your boyfriend, isn't he?" sneered Ethel, as they climbed the stairs to their rooms. Mildred just smiled to herself.