A/N: It was requested that I summarize the last chapter before I started this one. So here I go…Helga, Arnold, Phoebe, and Gerald were practicing for the Halloween dance. They were all dressed up as Ghostbusters (I do NOT own Ghostbusters) with Gerald singing the lead. When Arnold walked Helga home they started talking and Arnold finally asked Helga to be his girlfriend. So now that it's official and all, the next chapter begins on the night of the Halloween dance! ^_^

Halloween Howls

Part Eight: The Bewitching Hour

The days flew by just like the autumn leaves and faster than you can say "trick-or-treat" it was time for the Halloween dance!

"Alright students of P.S. 118's fourth grade class," Mr. Simmons began, "I just want to welcome you all to this very special Halloween dance. And to start off the party here's a very special band playing an extra special song that I just know you're all going to love!"

The lights dimmed to the point where the room was pitch black, except for a few stray beams of pale blue light on the stage. Naturally, this caused everyone to look that way.

"Oh gosh," Lila whispered to Curly, "I hope this isn't something that's just ever so scary."

"I hope the boards loosen and zombies come out and-" Curly went off on one of his weird tangents.

Just then there was a pounding sound outside the double doors. The students gasped and spun around. And then…the music started.

The doors were kicked open by Phoebe and Arnold. Between them stood Gerald and Helga. The audience gasped as they came forward in their gray uniforms hoisting bulky black packs on their back and holding strange black weapons in their gloved hands.

"Cool!" Harold stated, "Ghostbusters!"

Gerald flashed a smile around the room of speechless kids before singing:

When there's something weird,

In the neighborhood.

Who ya gonna call?

There was a brief pause while the students exchanged puzzled looks. Once over the shock they yelled their response:

GHOSTBUSTERS!!!

A disco ball came down and colorful rays of light swept across the room.

When there's something strange,

And it don't look good.

Who ya gonna call?

This time Helga, Phoebe, and Arnold joined in.

GHOSTBUSTERS!!!

Rhonda smiled to Sid who was dressed like a buccaneer. "Wow, they're really good. And who would've guessed that Helga could sing so well?"

"Yeah, I wonder if they take requests?" Sid replied.

"Speaking of requests." Rhonda hinted, extending her hand out from beneath the sleeve of her Renaissance dress.

"Oh yeah," Sid snapped his fingers, "wanna dance?"

Smirking she answered, "Why of course Sid, I'd be delighted."

"Okay," he shrugged and led her out to the dance floor.

I ain't afraid of no ghost.

"Um Curly," Lila began hesitantly.

"Yeah." Curly was angrily watching as Rhonda danced with Sid.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Sure." he grabbed Lila's arm and hauled her over near where Rhonda and Sid were dancing.

"You know Curly, that's a very nice mad scientist costume you're wearing." Lila smiled politely.

"Uh huh," Curly muttered, "nice cowgirl outfit."

"Thank you ever so much." Lila beamed.

"Sure sure," Curly mumbled, "now could you move over a little? I can't see Rhonda."

But I heard that he likes the girls…

Up on stage Gerald kept scooting closer to Phoebe as they sang. Arnold and Helga were already hip to hip. I can't believe it! Helga was squealing inside, This is the best Halloween ever!

The same thoughts raced through Gerald's head as he and Phoebe locked arms.

Let me tell ya somethin'

Bustin' makes me feel good!

The weird music, the hot spotlights, the dancing array of ghouls and goblins, it was the freakiest party that P.S. 118 had ever known!

Hours passed and finally the time came to announce the winner of the costume contest. Mr. Green stood up from the table of adult judges to announce the winner. "First of all, let me just say that all of you did excellent jobs of coming dressed in unique and elaborate costumes. And with that said, I'm proud to inform you that this year we have a four way tie."

The students all grinned, it was obvious who'd won.

"Arnold, Helga, Phoebe, Gerald…" Mr. Green announced, "congratulations. You four are the winners!"

Quicker than lightening Gerald was on stage and at the microphone. "Thank you thank you P.S. 118."

"Somebody likes to hog the spotlight." Helga muttered.

"That's just Gerald." Arnold laughed.

Phoebe blushed as Gerald lent her a hand up, "And we never would've been able to come tonight without the two talent scouts for the dance. You all know them as Helga and Phoebe."

Helga thought back to the aptitude test where Gerald found out (mistakenly) that he'd make a perfect talk show host sidekick. "Maybe Gerald's folder didn't get mixed up after all." she chuckled.

Arnold shot her a sly glance, "Sometimes I think the same thing."

There was a roaring applause from the audience. The four fourth graders took a bow.

"Here are the passes to the haunted house." Mr. Simmons handed out the prizes to the winners. "Those really are such-"

"Special costumes." the four answered.

"Um…yes."

"Guess this Halloween night won't be so bad after all." Helga smiled.

"It's all in the company you keep." Arnold grinned.

The students started descending the stage. Gerald trailed along behind. Just when Mr. Simmons was about to turn and address the crowd again Gerald dashed forward and grabbed the microphone.

"Who ya gonna call?"

"GHOSTBUSTERS!!!" the crowd shouted and then exploded into laughter.

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*Fall break's coming! That means more chapters! ^_^ Hope you'll all read and review for this one until then.*