Chapter 2
Muffins and Dominos
The Great Hall was lavished in vines that were sprawled along the stone walls. Sparkling white roses blossomed from the moving vines. A light dew covered the roses and gave off tiny dancing rainbows just as the morning glow hit them. A light mist clung to the ceiling and waterfall hung just above the huge doors of the Great Hall. It poured over the doors but as students gathered into the hall the waterfall moved as if it were a sheer curtain.
Students' eyes lit up as they gazed around the Great Hall. It had been an almost a week sense their return from summer but never had the Great Hall looked this stunning. Dumbledore sat at the front of the hall with his normal witty smile. The other teachers seemed to be in a gloomy mood. Exotic fruits and dishes covered the tables. Students hurried into the hall and took seats with their houses. Harry and Ron glanced around for a seat.
"Ron what happened to your face??" a voice giggled. Whoever it was had noticed the huge welt that was beginning to develop on Ron's face from Seamus.
Ron and Harry swung around to see Hermione peer over a newspaper at them.
"Hello Hermione-" Ron said in a groan. "Do we really have to put up with her, Harry? I mean it is awfully early you know." Ron asked aloud.
Harry ignored Ron. "Hey Hermione- what's wrong? Harry asked noticing the grim look on Hermione's face as she stared at the paper.
"Listen to this-" Hermione began as she read off the paper. Ron and Harry both sat down next Hermione. Harry listened carefully as Ron played with a muffin. The headline in huge print read-
Missing Women of Cresttra
"Cresttra?? But that's right around here" Josh a 4th year said quickly.
"Shut up Josh… I'm trying to read-" Hermione snapped.
Suddenly a large exotic fruit called a Caryeth Bee came flying towards Hermione from Josh's direction. The flying Caryeth Bee hit Harry in the shoulder. Hermione gave a huff and continued to read aloud.
At 9:00am, Bianca Mary Jasmine was found missing. Dried blood and an odd note were found scribbled on a wall in the 24 year old of Cresttra's room. The window was left ajar but there have been no clues of footprints or DNA.
Everyone around Hermione had gone quiet and was listening intently. Except for Ron of course who was pulling a piece of paper out of his mouth. Hermione put down the paper and stared at Ron.
"Ron what are you doing-" Hermione asked annoyed.
"This was in my muffin-" Ron said looking at the small strip of paper puzzled. "It says… Dominos can be a dreadful game."
"What?" Harry asked confused.
"A muffin fortune? Who the hell puts paper in muffins?" Ron blabbered. "I mean come on…"
Josh was pulling apart the other muffins at the table. "None of the others have them." He exclaimed.
Hermione was starting to go pale. "Ron… What exactly did it say again?"
"Dominos can be a dreadful game."
"That's what I was afraid of" she said in an alarmed voice.
She started too carefully read another paragraph aloud from the article. The message was found on a heater in the corner of the room. It read:
The game of Dominos has just begun.
Everyone's jaws dropped as their heads slowly turned to Ron.
"Suddenly I don't feel like a muffin anymore." Ron said quietly as his muffin hit the floor.
"I'm sure it's just a joke. Probably Seamus." Harry said hopefully.
"Yeah. I hope so.." said Ron gloomily.
The loud murmering of the hall quieted as Dumbledore stood up and began his daily annocements.
"As many of you know a woman was kidnapped two days ago just near here, If anyone has information retaining the matter than please see me or your house teacher."
"The 1st annul Juniper Moonlight Ball will be held in 2 weeks. I hope everyone plans to attend and please dress approprealty."
"The first Hogsmade trip of this year will be next Tuesday; don't forget notes."
"You may all proceed to your first class-"