THE HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE

Chapter 10: Halloween

"I like Halloween very much. That is the day for the tasty feast.", Lily said happily.

"What is so special that is going to happen, that there is a chapter titled after it? "Severus asked

"Let's read and find out.", Lily said happily.

(Malfoy couldn't believe - to have another one.)

"That will not happen as long as, I am there. I will ensure that.", Severus said.

"But Sav, you just cannot go to the Gryffindor common room, and tell these both that!", Lily said.

"I know, Lily. At least I know what is going to happen. Now I can prevent them from doing exactly that.", Severus said.

"All the things that happened before also will not happen, Sev. So, I will also be in control of what he does. Though I am sure his father will be very much encouraging.", Lily said.

"You will have send howlers, Lily.", Severus said. "If trouble happens."

"That is for sure, Sev.", Lily said.

(In the meantime, Harry - without further clues.)

"Our own Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Trying to figure out the mystery of the three-headed dog.", Lily said laughing.

"Let's see. Its elementary Watson, the dog is guarding something. But there is no data. Without data, we cannot formulate theories. I need data.", Severus said laughing. Lily had given the stories of the Holmes guy, and he was fascinated by those stories.

"I don't mind them doing this, as long as they don't go to that corridor again", Lily said.

"But I have a feeling that, that is going to happen, even if they don't want it.", Severus said.

(Neither Neville nor - as an added bonus.)

"They really are not seeing that, she is going to be a valuable asset in this investigation. "Severus said.

"I know, Sev. I am sure that she can solve this problem really fast. Faster than that dunderhead called Ron.", Lily said.

"Again, as I said, they are definitely going to be friends. "Severus said.

"Are you a seer, Sev. You are predicting so many things, that I cannot remember everything. Maybe I should start to keep a note on all things you said.", Lily said laughing.

(All they really wanted - on top of the parcel.)

"What in the world, can the parcel be?", Lily wondered aloud.

"Isn't it obvious Lily? What is the large thing, that Harry is supposed to get urgently? Think about the previous chapter and tell.", Severus said.

"I have absolutely no idea, Sev.", Lily said blankly.

"It is a broomstick, Lily. Remember that Harry is selected as a seeker? "Severus said.

"OH yeah. But who could have sent him, the broom?", Lily asked.

"Let's read and find out.", Severus said.

(Harry ripped open - Professor M. McGonagall)

"That will definitely will look like favouritism. But I don't mind. He definitely yearned the broom. "Severus said.

"Yeah, he definitely did. I want to go and thank the Professor as soon as we meet her.", Lily said.

"What shall we say, if she asks, what are we thanking her about? "Severus asked.

"I don't know Sev. We will just say that, we are thanking her for everything she did for us.", Lily said.

(Harry had difficulty - Crabbe and Goyle.)

"Great! They are just the people whom, I want Harry to meet now.", Lily said sadly.

"At least we can see their shocked expressions, when they see the broom. "Severus said happily.

"It is going to be the shock of their lives. They wanted Harry to get in trouble, but they ended up seeing Harry getting something he really wanted.", Lily said laughing.

"I am sure that he will just start crying like a baby, and go to a teacher to complain. "Severus said grinning.

"As if that is going to do any good.", Lily said happily.

(Malfoy seized the package - save up twig by twig.)

"The Malfoy dunderhead does not even have basic manners, does he?", Severus asked.

"He is like Ron in eating, when he is talking to people.", Lily said.

"I hope the broom will keep his mouth shut for now at least.", Severus said.

"I doubt it, Sev. Some people never stop troubling others.", Lily said.

"Just like the Marauders and me.", Severus said.

(Before Ron could answer - what model is it?)

Severus and Lily burst out laughing.

"That will surely shut that idiot's mouth.", Lily said laughing.

"I think he never expected that, the Professor will give that kind of response. It must have been a nasty shock for the guy.", Severus said.

"I wonder what will his reaction be, to this.", Severus said.

(A Nimbus Two Thousand -package in Harry's hand.)

"This girl will never leave these two alone, will she?", Severus said.

"Well, she does have a good intention. But I think the broomstick incident was worth it.", Lily said.

"So the future prefect approves rule breaking, huh?", Severus asked smiling teasingly.

"I approve it, when it is done with good intentions. And how can you say that, I am going to become a prefect?", Lily asked.

"It is just obvious Lily. You are one of the only people who has, some regard for rules in the Gryffindor house.", Severus said.

"Then I am sure that you will be the Slytherin prefect.", Lily said.

"Maybe, maybe not. Let's wait and see.", Severus said.

(I thought you weren't - Two Thousand at last.)

"Harry James Potter! Have some manners while eating!", Lily shouted into the book.

"How do you know that, his middle name is going to be James?", Severus asked.

"I just guessed that it will be so, as many boys keep their father's name as middle name, and girls keep their mother's.", Lily said.

"That is true.", Severus said.

(Wow," Ron sighed - what was going on.)

"I sometimes feel that even that height is not enough.", Severus said. "Some matches go even higher, when it becomes a tight one."

"Even the seekers many times go high to search for the snitch.", Lily said. "Seeker is the position that even I find that does not make much sense. The match gets over, when a seeker catches the snitch, and the team gets 150 points. That team usually wins the match. Then what is the real need of chasers?", she asked.

"Sometimes the opposite team wins, even if the seeker catches the snitch. That happens very rarely though, as the point difference of more than 150 points is a rare occurrence, before the snitch is caught. I think the actual purpose of seekers is to end the match. The team that ends the match will get the edge.", Severus said.

"Still, not much makes sense in that.", Lily said.

(At either end of the field - landed next to him.)

"Why do boys enjoy flying so much? I find if safe to keep my foot on the ground.", Lily said.

"Remember that there are even girls, as members of the team. So, you can't say girls don't enjoy flying. I am a boy, and I also don't enjoy flying much.", Severus said.

"You are an exceptional case, Sev.", Lily said teasingly.

"Neville! What about him?", Severus asked, "and Peter Pettigrew too."

"So many exceptions.", Lily said laughing.

(Very nice," said - not too easy to play.)

"Easy! Easy! It took me nearly an year to understand all the rules!", Lily said.

"He is right in saying that it is difficult to play. Flying with a ball in your hand, or searching for something is not an easy task.", Severus said.

"I hope that the captain does not do anything stupid, that will hurt my son.", Lily said.

"God help him if he does, because Harry's mother is here to hex the idiot's ball off.", Severus said laughing.

Lily gave a playful slap and laughed with Severus.

(There are seven - said Wood curiously)

"I hate wizards and their ignorance to all things muggle. They do not understand even the easiest of the muggle concepts.", Severus said shaking his head.

"I have been asked about the use of rubber duck, of all things.", Lily said laughing.

"What? Who asked that stupid question?", Severus asked with amazement.

"Ron's father Arthur Weasley At least I think it is his father, unless there is some other Weasley patriarch in England.", Lily said.

"I don't think there is. Mostly I think that is only his father. He graduated in our second year, right?", Severus said.

"Yeah, He did. He was really crazy about things that muggles have. I heard that he is now working at misuse of muggle artefacts office in the ministry.", Lily said.

"A really good place for a man, interested in muggles.", Severus said.

(""Never mind," said Harry - one of the Bludgers.)

"He is completely out of his mind!", Lily screamed into the bool angrily. Severus shut his ears just in time.

"What in the world is he doing? How can he free the Bludgers in front of a kid, before telling him what to do?", Severus asked.

"I am really going to hex that idiot!", Lily said.

"You better watch out, Wood. Angry mother will come to you, and hex you to next century.", Severus said laughing.

(He bent down and - pin it to the ground.)

"Way to go Harry! But that was too close for comfort.", Severus said.

"I know, Sev. For a moment, there I thought, something bad was going to happen.", Lily said.

"Thankfully he has quick reflexes. That is a really good point for seekers, when they are really desperate to find the snitch, or when there is a bludger coming at you.", Severus said.

"Gryffindor is certainly going to win this time.", Lily said grinning at Severus.

"I am sure that even Slytherin will have some good players. I am sure that I will have a say in, selecting the players, and I will select only the best.", Severus said.

"We will see about that, Sev. How about a bet, that Gryffindor will defeat Slytherin in the match?", Lily asked grinning.

"Oh, so you want a bet, huh. Then it is on. One galleon for Gryffindor winning, is that good?", Severus asked.

"Deal!", Lily said happily.

(See? Wood panted - worse than that)

"Nothing worse than that? Is he considering that as a small thing? Is he really mad!?", Lily asked.

"I have heard that people have disappeared from matches. Referees only of course. The team members were so angry with a decision that, they hexed the referee and he appeared in the Sahara Desert after some months, without a slight memory of what happened.". Severus said.

"That is really a bizarre occurrence, Sev. In the game of cricket, I have heard that some people injuring the umpire with a bat. That is the most dangerous in muggle sports.", Lily said.

"That is muggle sport, Lily. This has magic in it, and it can cause more damage.", Severus said.

"That is true.", Lily agreed.

(Now, the last - get fouled so much.)

"That's some bloody fantastic encouragement,", Severus said.

"The worst thing to say to a beginner, who is supposed to a an underage to play the sport.", Lily said shaking her head.

"But there sure is truth in his words. Seekers do get fouled very much.", Severus said.

"I will go inside the book and hex all the people who fouls my son.", Lily said.

(A game of Quidditch only - could get some sleep.)

"I remember reading about that match. The people were shouting at the seekers, and one of them actually used an unforgivable in them. But thankfully they missed.", Severus said.

"That is so horrible!", Lily said.

"Thankfully the captain left that part of the match. I am sure that Harry is too young to hear about this.", Severus said.

"Yeah, he is surely too young.", Lily said.

(Well, that's - Wood was delighted.)

Lily and Severus cheered loudly.

"That is just awesome!", Lily said.

"He certainly will become an excellent seeker. Let's see how he plays the game.", Severus said.

"I am sure that he will be really good, while playing too. There is something interesting here. Where did the people get golf balls?", Lily asked.

"Maybe a muggleborn Quidditch player donated them for practice.", Severus said.

"Possible.", Lily commented.

(After half an hour - Hogwarts two months.)

"That sure does look like a lot of work.", Severus said.

"I really wonder who gives so much of work to students.", Lily said looking teasingly at Severus.

"Hey! It can't be me! I am sure that it will be McGonagall or maybe even Bins! They give too much of work!", Severus said defensively.

"We really cannot predict how you will be giving work in the future, Sev. Considering how you are at the time.", Lily said.

"I will go inside, and hex myself if it is really me.", Severus said.

"I think we also should list down the reasons for hexing you, Sev.", Lily said sticking a tongue out at him. "and, don't you think three Quidditch practices a week is too much?"

"Well, if you are so desperate to win, then it is needed.", Severus said.

(The castle felt more - wafting through the corridors.)

"I really love that smell, it just reminds of the delicious feast that is going to come.", Lily said.

"Well, I remember that in your third year, you were refusing to eat the feast, as you thought house elves working without wages were nothing but slave labor, and you wanted all the elves to be free.", Severus said. Laughing. "Until you read that, house elves cannot survive until they are bonded to a master.

"I know, Sev! But I still feel that the elves should get paid.", Lily said. "Many of them are even beaten up by their masters, Sev!".

"Yes, that practice must change.", Severus said agreeing.

(Even better, Professor - working with Hermione Granger.)

"That really is the last person I would want sitting next to me for that lesson.", Severus said. "No one in our class could pronounce the spell properly, the first time! And the biggest bookworm sitting next to you is a big nightmare!"

"I remember that, I sat next to you, Sev. I had got the spell properly in the first try.", Lily said.

"You are a genius when it comes to charms, Lily! We are only amateurs.", Severus said grinning.

"Says the future Potions master.", Lily teased.

"How do you know, I am going to be one?", Severus asked Lily.

"You have to be at least in that level, to teach at Hogwarts at such a young age, Sev!", Lily said.

"That is true.", Severus said proud of himself.

(It was hard to tell whether - a buffalo on his chest.)

"Do you think that tale can be true? That does sound a bit farfetched.", Lily said.

"I am sure that it is, Lily. I have heard of even worse accidents, like one wizard's brain was replaced with a rat's and he died within an hour.", Severus said.

"Eeeew! That is just disgusting.", Lily said wrinkling her nose.

"I even have heard of a wizard who— ", Severus continued, but was stopped by Lily.

"I think it is enough Sev. I really don't want to hear such tales.", Lily said.

(It was very difficult - out with his hat.)

"That happened to Peter Pettigrew, if my memory is right.", Severus said.

"Unfortunately, it was Mary who was sitting next to that idiot. She was ranting about that even at the night in the common room.", Lily said.

"She never sat next to him, after that lesson, did she?", Severus asked.

"Nope. Instead of her, Lupin came with him. I am sure that he is regretting that now.", Lily said.

"That rat of a guy is no good, when it comes to magic. He is just hopeless.", Severus said.

(Ron, at the next table - feet above their heads.)

"I like this girl. I think she is a charms nerd like me.", Lily said grinning.

"She is too much like you, Lily. I think the two of you should have a talk sometime.", Severus said laughing.

"Maybe when I grow up, I can meet this girl and discuss all this.", Lily said.

"What!? You actually took this thing seriously? I was just kidding!", Severus said with even more laughs. "Now I guess that; the redhead will be seriously pissed off at her."

"That's what that is mostly going to happen.", Lily agreed.

(Oh, well done!" cried Professor - noticed she's got no friends.)

"Ten points from Gryffindor!", Severus shouted angrily. "This is unacceptable behavior."

"That idiot certainly was really rude!", Lily said angrily. "I wonder why he has any friends, with this kind of behavior."

"This has ruined the chances of her being in the group.", Severus said. "They just kicked out a valuable would be friend."

"You are still sticking with the idea, of these three becoming friends huh?", Lily asked.

"I am sure that they would have, if not for this dunderhead's behavior.", Severus said.

(Hermione didn't turn - Hermione out of their minds.)

"That is rude! How can they simply forget the girl?", Lily was shaking with anger.

"Where did your son get this kind of behavior from? I am sure James is not so rude to girls. He does apologize to girls, if he mentally hurts them.", Severus said.

"I think Ron is having a bit of bad influence in him. He should avoid him, if he can.", Lily said.

"Making friends, and then avoiding them is not so easy, Lily.", Severus said.

"You really should, if they have a really bad influence!", Lily said.

(A thousand live bats - floor in a dead faint.)

Both Severus and Lily were shocked and looked at each other with disbelief.

"WHAT?" Lily shrieked, "How did a troll get in?"

"I am sure that it can't get inside the castle by itself.", Severus said.

"Then someone must have let it in!", Lily said.

"There is a traitor in the midst! Someone inside the castle is doing this.", Severus said.

"But why would they do that? They are endangering themselves!", Lily said.

"I have no idea! I guess we have to read and find out.", Severus said.

(There was an uproar - for a Halloween joke.)

"They are really stupid!", Severus said, nodding his head.

"Peeves has better brains than that. He may prank kids, but he will not do anything to seriously hurt the students.", Lily said.

"It must be someone else. But who can do it?", Severus thought.

"It must be someone with experience with these trolls.", Lily said.

"Who it can be?", Severus wondered.

(They passed different - I've just thought – Hermione.)

Lily smiled, "Harry!" she cooed, grinning like a loon.

"Thank god that he remembered her. I nearly forgot about her.", Severus said.

"I hope that they inform someone immediately. Otherwise she is going to be in a terrible danger.", Lily said.

"If he is a stupid Gryffindor, he will try to rescue her by himself.", Severus said.

"He is not stupid! I really hope he will not do that.", Lily said.

(What about her? - toward the girls' bathroom.)

"I told you so.", Severus said to Lily. But he had a really worried expression.

"What in the world , is he doing? Are they mad to do this? They should have gone to McGonagall right away!", Lily shouted.

"I hope they can find Hermione before they are confronted by the troll. Even grown wizards struggle to bring those things down!", Severus said.

"That may not be a problem. There is no girl's toilet near the dungeons, as far as I know. So they won't be facing the troll.", Lily said.

"Wait a second! The Slytherin common rooms are in the dungeons! What will we do, if we are attacked!?", Severus exclaimed.

"Merlin! You are right, Sev! Why did Professor Dumbledore just tell everyone to go to common rooms?", Lily said.

"Maybe Slytherins stay at the hall, and wait, until the situation is resolved.", Severus said.

(They had just turned the - and disappeared from view.)

"What in the world are you doing over there, when you are supposed to be in the dungeons, Sev?", Lily asked.

Even Severus was also asking the same question. "I have no idea, Lily. Maybe the teachers were told to split up, so that they can search the whole castle.", he answered.

"But don't you think that, you are better off searching the dungeons? That is your area after all.", Lily said.

"I have no idea, Lily. I definitely would have chosen the dungeons to search.", Severus said.

"Are you up to something else, Sev?", Lily asked suspiciously.

"Lily! I have no idea! How am I supposed to know!", Severus asked.

"Let's read and find out.", Lily said.

(What's he doing? - Ron held up his hand.)

"Huh! Why am I going there!", Severus thought.

"Sev? What in the world are you doing?", Lily said. There was a clear anger in her voice. "Are you after the stone?"

"No way, Lily! I will not betray the school!", Severus said. But he was being really confused.

"Do you think that, you could be the one that let the troll in?", Lily said.

"Lily! I wouldn't do that! I wouldn't! Do you think that I am evil?", Severus asked frantically. He was close to crying as his best friend was accusing him of, something he would never do.

Lily noticed this and said, "Please don't cry, Sev! I know you are not capable of this! But this is really suspicious.".

"Lily, what if I am checking if someone else was there or not? What if I am there to make sure that the stone is safe!?". Severus said. That was a definite possibility.

"Sev! That is a brilliant theory! Yes! That is certainly a possibility. Maybe you already suspect someone, and you are making sure that, no one get's the stone!", Lily said.

"Yes Lily, I am sure that I am doing that.", Severus said with relief.

(Can you smell something - because its arms were so long.)

They both paled.

"I thought the troll was in the dungeons!", Severus said.

"Did the Professor just lie about the troll's location? Why would he do that?", Lily asked.

"What if he is the one who let the troll in? Maybe he wants the teachers to believe that, the troll is in the dungeons to distract them, and gain access to the third floor!", Severus said.

"That is a perfect explanation, Sev! And you may be trying to stop the guy!", Lily said. "That is really brave of you, Sev! But why does he need the stone foe?".

"It's obvious, isn't it? Gold and eternal life!", Severus said.

(The troll stopped next - Yes!)

"Nooooooo! That is the girl's bathroom!", Lily shouted.

"Oh my god! That just made the things even more better!", Severus was now in fear for the girl.

"If anything happens to the girl, I will hex both of them to the next century!", Lily said.

(Flushed with their victory - and they ran inside.)

"Of course, they had no other choice! Now they have to face the troll!", Severus said.

"What can the boys do now? They are only first years!", Lily said panicking.

"I say that, they distract the troll till, help arrives.", Severus said.

"But how can they survive!", Lily shouted.

"I have no idea, Lily.", Severus said.

(Hermione Granger was shrinking - its club as it went.)

Lily and Severus went as white as a sheet. Lily looked like she will faint.

"N-no m-my son cannot b-be hurt.", Lily was stammering.

"Lily, please stay calm. I am sure that nothing is going to happen to him. He has a whole series named after him, after all.", Severus said.

This made Lily feel better. "What about his friends? They are also in terrible danger!", Lily said.

"I am sure that they will also be safe.", Severus said.

"I really hope so, Sev.", Lily said.

(Oy, pea-brain - around the troll's neck from behind.)

Both of their jaws hit the ground.

"That couldn't have happened," Severus said, shaking his head, "Are you sure you're reading properly? Because an eleven-year-old is not brave enough to do that," he said, and Lily shook her head, mouth open.

"He actually did it, Sev!", Lily said with astonishment and a bit of pride.

"I really don't know, whether this is really stupid, or something really brave.", Severus said.

"It is a combination of both.", Lily said.

"I am sure that even James Potter would not have dared to do this.", Severus said.

(The troll couldn't feel - of the troll's nostrils.)

"What in the world is happening here! First my son jumps on top of a troll, now he sticks his wand in its nose?", Lily said with wonder.

"No one would have thought of doing such a thing.", Severus said.

"The wand in the nose part was a complete accident though.", Lily said with a small laugh. Somehow, she found the whole situation a bit funny.

(Howling in pain, the troll - onto its owner's head.)

Lily and Severus just burst out laughing.

"That was just so hilarious. Brought down by its own sword.", Severus said laughing.

"I take back everything bad I said about Ron. He just saved everyone. His plan was just so brilliant.", Lily said.

"I don't think he realized that it would work, though. But the plan was really good.", Severus said.

(The troll swayed in the - like lumpy gray glue.)

"That is just gross!", Lily said.

"He had to do that, didn't he? Otherwise he will lose his wand.", Severus said laughing.

"That is perfectly true.", Lily said.

(Urgh – troll boogers. - toilet, clutching his heart.)

"And the best actor award goes to - Professor Quirrel.", Severus said and clapped.

Lily just burst out laughing. "They are in so much of trouble now, that McGonagall is here. I really hope that, she goes soft on them." ,Lily said.

"I doubt it. But they do have a really good reason.", Severus said.

"But what if they ask, about going to other teachers, or even prefects?", Lily asked.

"Well, that would certainly mean trouble.", Severus said.

(Snape bent over the - a swift, piercing look.)

"Why would you do that?", Lily asked.

"I-I have no idea.", Severus said. But he had an idea which he hoped will not be true.

"Maybe you are just demanding answers with your stare.", Lily said.

"Maybe.", Severus said.

"I can't believe that they thought that, they will get rewarded for doing this.", Lily said laughing.

"Well, this is certainly not a small task.", Severus said.

(Harry looked at the - read all about them.)

They both gasped.

"Did she just tell a lie!? That too to a teacher!", Lily asked.

"I had thought that was the last thing she will do!", Severus said.

"I think she just saved Harry and Ron from detention.", Lily said.

"They both did save her life, didn't they?", Severus asked.

(Ron dropped his wand - wasn't new to them.)

"Oh, the innocent little children look!", Severus said laughing.

"I know that look, the marauders do that every time they are caught. But they never get away with it of course.", Lily said.

(Well – in that case - had started handing out sweets.)

Lily laughed hysterically. "That would be a really funny thing to see.", Lily said.

"I have actually done that loads of times. In my common room, of course.", Severus said.

"To me too!". Lily said happily. "I wonder how Harry will react when he comes to know that, his mother and Snape was best friends!", she said laughing.

"I think he will faint at that moment.", Severus said laughing.

(Miss Granger, five points - You may go.)

"Really! She gave five points to each of them!? For breaking the rules?", Severus said.

"Remember that, they took down a mountain troll and saved a girl from dying.", Lily said.

"That is true. I think that one of them will now complain about getting less points.", Severus said laughing.

"I am sure that, it is going to be Ron.", Lily agreed.

(They hurried out of the - Harry reminded him.)

"Yep. If they had done that, it would have been a real disaster.", Lily said.

"I am sure that they would have had a psychological breakdown due to the guilt.", Severus said.

"Yeah, because they would think that, it was their fault.", Lily agreed.

"Anyone in that situation will think the same.", Severus said.

(They had reached the - mountain troll is one of them.)

"Now, that is a really happy ending. Didn't I tell that they are going to be friends.?" , Severus said grinning.

"That was one prediction turned true.", Lily said.

"I think I should have taken divination, don't you?", Severus asked grinning.

Lily slapped Severus playfully and said, "Let's see if anything else comes true. Well, that is the end of the chapter."

"We finished ten chapters today. What is the time now?", Severus asked.

"It is five past five.", Lily said. " I think we can retire for today. Can you come at Half past eleven tomorrow?"

"Yes, I will Lily. I am sure that my mom will allow.", Severus said.

"Bye then.", Lily smiled. "See you here tomorrow Sev. Please don't miss it."

She said that and walked towards her home. Severus also walked back to his home, thinking about things he read.