Halloween at Hogwarts was a day unlike any Harry had experienced before. It was as though the horror event had decided to manifest as a vengeful spirit, seeking to punish those who dared to celebrate in its name.

It all began when Professor Quirrell came rushing into the Great Hall.

"Troll in the dungeon!" He declared in fright, prompting the grand chamber to be swiftly evacuated.

Then came the most dreadful news.

Harry and Draco were lounging around on the common room sofa, when a surprisingly morbid Snape emerged into the dungeon.

"I'm afraid I have some bad news," He began. "It appears that a pair of foolish students decided to seek the troll for themselves. Mr Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger's bodies were found dead in the girl's bathrooms. Their stupidity has resulted in their unfortunate deaths. Let this be a lesson to you all. Idiotic acts of heroism will only result in your own demise,"

Harry glanced around the room. For once, Crabbe and Goyle appeared shell-shocked. He wished he could visit the Gryffindor Common Room, to console Fred and George. He knew what it was like to lose family.

A rather nervous looking girl held up her hand in the corner of the dungeon.

"P...professor..." She stammered. "W...what has happened t...to t...he t...troll?"

"The troll has been swiftly disposed of, Miss Jenkins," Snape replied. "Any student who is found to be hunting these creatures in the future will be expelled. Have I made myself clear?"

A resounding "Yes, professor" echoed around the room.

"You will remain in the common room until 9am tomorrow. All lessons have been cancelled until further notice," Snape headed back towards the door. "I will see you all for breakfast in the Great Hall tomorrow,"

Harry and Draco watched solemnly as the potions master departed the common room. A stunned silence surrounded the dungeon.

"Poor Hermione," Said Harry. "And Ron too. I wonder what he was doing in the girl's bathrooms?"

"Beats me," Draco shrugged. "I never liked that Weasley kid, or Granger, but I'd never have wished them dead,"

"It's certainly going to be quiet without Hermione giving all the answers in class," Harry laughed sadly.

"Or Weasley with that filthy rat of his," Draco glanced at his watch. "Anyway, I'll see you later, Potter. I promised to join Millicent for a game of Gobstones. See you later,"

"Bye,"

Harry sat, pondering the day's events. Just why had Ron been visiting the girl's bathrooms? And what was the troll doing terrorizing them in there, when Quirrell had said found it in the dungeon?