Chapter 26: A Ghostly Party
Harry gave a yawn as he woke up for the day. He was again being used as a body pillow by Hermione. He enjoyed this just as much as the first time and it was equally frustrating in a certain way. He did love feeling her warmth and her body there with him, but it never made falling asleep easy.
The frizzy haired beauty fell asleep too easily in his opinion. It wasn't fair. How was he supposed to fall asleep hearing a beautiful girl's even breathing as she found her way to laying her head on his chest? It wasn't fair, even if he really liked it.
Harry usually fell asleep eventually, but it sometimes took a while and resulted in him being half-asleep the next day. Harry carefully extricated himself from Hermione's grasp and opened a drawer from his nightstand. He took out a bottle of a clear and odorless liquid and took a quick gulp of it before putting it back. Harry knew he would be out of luck without this potion.
The potion was called Wakey Wakey, which was a ridiculous name and why most also called it The Rise and Shine instead. It wasn't anything terrible or habit forming. The potion was essentially magically charged caffeine. Harry didn't like the idea of being a 12-year-old already essentially drinking some super magic coffee, but he kind of was. Luckily, he only needed the potion a couple of times a week.
There were a few times he used it three times, but that was because of tests and needing a little extra boost after studying most of the night. Hermione insisted they always sleep together and Harry wasn't really going to say no to something he liked, but it meant he was kind of on her schedule. When it came to tests, Hermione really studied late into the night. Harry eventually convinced her to end earlier than she usually preferred, but it was still late for most people when they had school the next day.
Hermione woke up and let out a moan as she stretched. Harry blushed and quickly looked away. Hermione really needed to realize she knew how to drive him crazy in the mornings. Girls shouldn't moan so carelessly. It was dangerous for guys like him, especially the way she stretched and her night clothes showed off the slight but noticeable curve her body had. Then there was the dangerous zone that showed part of her flat lightly tanned stomach.
"Whelp… I'm going first," Harry said as he left. He made sure it wasn't too quick of an exit. He was really grateful Susan and Hannah slept in later than they did. He really didn't want to think what it would be like waiting for one of the two restrooms with his morning condition.
"See you then," Hermione said in the middle of a yawn. She soon smiled as she realized they were getting close to Halloween again. She really hoped nothing like the troll would happen this year. If it did, she might start to think Halloween was cursed or something.
[-] [-] [-]
"I didn't think we'd run into you again like this," Hermione couldn't help but say in surprise. She and Harry were again in a corridor with that Luna girl. Hermione actually started to have a bit of a soft spot her, even if Luna was just as crazy as everyone said. Hermione could empathize with the girl being shunned by everyone in her year and more. She still didn't believe the theories she heard people say the girl spouted regularly.
"Are you looking for another invisible wizard portrait?" Harry asked jokingly. He was actually a little concerned for Luna. He looked into her a bit after their first meeting. No matter what she said, there was no way she just happened to be staring at portraits while wandering the halls. There had to be a reason she took to wandering halls far away from her own house. He did not like what he discovered. He wasn't sure how to help her though.
If Luna was a second year, it would be easy. He could tell others he found her kind of interesting and that would be why he hung around her sometimes. That would get people to back off her a little bit and maybe they too might find her more a curiosity than just plain weird. It would also sort of mark her as not okay to make fun of incessantly. Still not the best situation to be in as a person, but better than what she was going through currently. Luna was a first year though. Harry didn't have any idea what pull he had with them.
Luna gave the two a wide smile. She liked how the Wrackspurts were less lazy around Hermione this time. She took that to be a good sign. "I was actually wandering the halls talking to one of the House Ghosts earlier," she said.
"Which one?" Hermione asked curiously. She had never really thought to talk with the ghosts. She supposed they would know all kinds of things about the school and magic. Maybe she should try, Friar Puck was very friendly and always happy to help his fellow Hufflepuffs.
"Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington. Most just call him Nearly-Headless Nick. I personally call him Sir Nick. His real name is too long and Nearly-Headless Nick is a bit disrespectful given he has a title of nobility," Luna explained.
"What did you two talk about?" Harry asked.
"Many things. We ended with him asking me to attend his Deathday Party. I agreed to go, though I don't think he will get his wish, even with my say," Luna said.
"Ghosts celebrate their deaths?" Hermione asked in wonder.
"Yes. It can be depressing, I guess. But not to ghosts. Most of them chose to become what they are. Some even see it as the day they found complete freedom. They can go anywhere they wish and the only thing they really have to worry about is exorcism. Those aren't common even in the magical world," Luna said.
"So, they throw a party and get all their ghost friends together?" Hermione asked more in thought than wanting an actual answer.
"That is what a party is, or so I've heard," Luna answered easily and almost frowned to herself.
"What was it Sir Nick wanted from you?" Harry asked. He didn't like how she answered that previous question. Surely even she had some friends, maybe from before Hogwarts?
"He wants me to try and convince the Headless Hunt to let him join. It seems he has tried many times, but is always turned down. I don't think my word will help any. Daddy says the Headless Hunt is very strict about who can join, but I still want to help Sir Nick. He is a rather nice deceased person, even though I'm not in Gryffindor," Luna said.
"Ooo do you think we could go as well?" Hermione asked with eyes lit in curiosity. She thought this would be a very interesting learning experience. She doubted many mortals got to experience such an event.
"Would he mind?" Harry asked. He too was a bit curious about a Ghost's party.
"I don't think he would mind. So long as you tried to help him as well, even if it is futile," Luna said.
She was actually hopeful here. She had never been to a real party with friends. Ginny was her only friend growing up. The Weasleys weren't exactly able to give real birthday parties with lots of people attending. She did at least get to go to their family celebration. Ginny always liked it when it wasn't just her brothers celebrating her birthday.
Luna herself didn't have a large family for throwing parties. Her dad also had a habit of going on expeditions during her birthday. He usually brought her along on those occasions recently. Luna suspected he did it to get her mind off things. She did get to have Ginny sleepover a time or two as a belated celebration at least. That was a lot of fun.
They did all of those party things like braiding hair and such. They didn't really do Truth or Dare though. Ginny and Luna both agreed two people weren't enough for such a game. Luna hoped one day she would get to see what it was all about.
"I would actually like to go too. We can see if Hannah and Susan want to come," Harry said more to Hermione. He turned to Luna and smiled as he said, "Thanks for what could be the best Halloween plan."
Luna actually blushed at his thanks. She never did or said something someone called the best. "Ummmm… You're welcome. I hope to see you all there," she said with a smile.
She really hoped the Wrackspurts wouldn't have too much fun with her for her reaction. They liked to tease people that blushed in such ways, even if only she saw this. They would turn all pink and briefly behave extra floaty around the person. Sometimes they would even pretend to be all swoony.
"I hope to see you there as well," Harry said in return.
They were about to leave but Luna stopped them again. "Oh, one thing you might want to know…" she started.
They looked to her to continue. Luna almost didn't want to. She was scared this might change their minds.
"Ghosts… Like having really spoiled food at their parties. They can't eat real food or taste it. They can smell food, and the stronger the smell the more they like it. So be prepared for that," Luna said.
Harry and Hermione looked to each other for a moment. Luna was worried how they would react. The truth was Hermione felt even more excited now. She had an excuse to research new spells to help with such a thing.
"Thanks for the warning. Do you go to Deathday parties often?" Harry asked.
Luna felt relieved he hadn't suddenly felt revolted by the idea. She shook her head furiously. "This will be my first! Daddy's been to them before. He's told me all about them. The first time it was for research. After that he went to them for fun. He's always said with the right magic and potions, Deathday parties were smashingly fun," she said.
She then crinkled her nose cutely in thought. "He's never told me what those spells and potions were though. He usually gets distracted or says to wait until I'm older," she said. She was saying it was just dad, but the truth was both her parents went to such parties. She just didn't like thinking on her mom too much. That made her weepy eyed and sad.
"It's a good thing he told you about them at least," Harry said.
"We'll see you then Luna," Hermione said as the two turned to leave again.
"Bye…" Luna said softly. She felt a little lonely now that they were leaving. It was odd to her. They hadn't really known each other or talked for too long, but she knew she would miss them and have to go back to her regular day.
It was getting a bit more difficult to make her days not regular. Friends seemed to make every day not regular and not boring. She would just have to wait until the party. Fortunately, it wasn't too long until the then, but it was still a wait.
[-] [-] [-]
"I'm almost tempted to go with you all. A Deathday party does sound surprisingly interesting," Cedric said to Harry and his girls. Hermione pointed out it would be a good idea to tell a few people what their plans were including their Head of House.
Since they didn't have an RA this year, an older student had to do. Cedric interacted with them enough and was probably one of the most responsible of the older students, even if he was a fourth year. Everyone was sure he would be male Prefect next year.
"It does sound interesting, but we also won't be able to really eat anything there," Harry said.
Cedric chuckled to that. "Good point. I do have plans for after the feast anyways and there's no telling how long that party will last," Cedric said.
"You'll have to tell us all about the feast this year," Hannah started.
"And you all will have to tell me all about the Deathday party," Cedric said giving her a smile.
Hannah blushed, since pretty much no girl was immune to the famous Cedric smile, even with Lockhart as competition this year. She made a squeak sound and nodded quickly in answer.
"I'll do what I can to look after you all, and Miss Luna," Friar Puck said as he hovered nearby. He volunteered to be their official deceased escort to the party. Professor Sprout wanted them to have someone watching over them, even at a ghost party. The House Ghost quickly volunteered, since he was going to the party already.
Harry already met with Sir Nick earlier in the week and told him they heard about the party. Sir Nick was pleasantly surprised they wanted to come and did ask them, as Luna said he would, to put in a good word for him. Harry agreed and would do as he said, but he also agreed with Luna. Their word probably wouldn't matter.
He and Hermione toyed with the idea of seeing if maybe there was a way to make Nearly-Headless Nick, Truly Headless Nick. They weren't sure about that being possible. It still did make for some interesting conversation. Harry wasn't as scientific about it as Hermione was though. She even added notes to her journal about the ideas they tossed around.
[-] [-] [-]
As the group left, Friar Puck led the way to the party. "Remember the spell I found," Hermione reminded them all. She found an old Herbology spell that essentially acted like a gas mask. It was a spell they weren't supposed to learn until their fifth year when they started working with plants that had spores you needed to be careful of.
"I won't be forgetting that spell ever. It seems so useful and isn't too hard to cast. It would have really come in handy last year in that first section of the trapdoor corridor," Susan said and the others agreed.
"I'm still surprised the adventures you four got up to during your first year alone," Friar Puck said with a friendly chuckle. Despite their wishes otherwise, their trek to get the stone was well known, even if the students had long since moved on to other gossip.
They all guessed everyone felt it was just normal for Harry Potter and anyone who was with him to have amazing adventures. Harry blamed it on those damn books about him. He might actually talk to Goldbite to see if they could do something about them.
The group kept walking and soon entered a corridor deep below. There were floating candles that were melted on fake skulls giving off a dark blue light. There were black drapes hanging above some of the candles. There were even a few tombstone decorations with what looked like Deathday wishes on them.
As the students looked around, suddenly a group of what looked like skeletal bats flew above them. The effect was far more chilling and frightening than the live bats in the Great Hall above. They next made out what looked like two rusted axes above a doorway.
"Sir Nicholas really went all out. He was rather excited to have so many living guests coming to his party. He originally thought about going for something far more somber, given it is his 500th Deathday. He figured this would be better in the end. I do hope Miss Luna will be okay. She didn't want to wait for us outside of the party," Friar Puck said.
It was getting a bit chilly as they continued forward. Hermione seemed inspired by the décor, so she cast her blue fire spell to keep them warm. She was good enough at it by this point she didn't need a bottle to contain it. She cast it two more times to cover their whole group in eerie blue flame light. The flames hovered around them as they walked and kept them warm.
Once they entered the doorway at the end of the hallway, the sight was something to behold. There were hundreds of ghosts floating around everywhere! They talking to each other and sampling the ghost preferred refreshments.
"Good to see you all made it. Hello, Friar Puck," Luna said in greeting smiling brightly despite herself.
"Hello, Miss Luna. Kind of you to wait by the entrance at least," Friar Puck said.
"Hello, Luna. I'm Hannah. Nice to meet you," Hannah said in greeting.
Luna kept smiling as she said, "Nice to meet you too." The Wrackspurts seemed to be telling her Hannah was friendly too.
"I'm Susan. Nice to meet you," Susan said next. She was more timid than her friend Hannah, but still seemed nice to Luna.
"Nice to meet you too," Luna greeted. She was so happy to greet so many people. She even got to greet Harry and Hermione again. She hadn't even counted all of the ghosts who greeted her yet. They were people as well. They were just deceased.
"Ahh. So good to see you all, my friends," Nick said in welcome. His voice had an almost melancholic sound to it. It seemed he was too happy for the living guests to even act depressed on his Deathday overall though.
"Good to see you as well, Sir Nick. This really is something," Harry said as he looked around in awe.
"Glad you think so. I will admit it has been quite the turn out. Many ghosts have traveled from far away to visit. That includes a rather enchanting woman ghost I met from Egypt," he said.
"Was she an ancient Egyptian Witch?" Hermione asked in eagerness.
"Afraid not, Miss Granger. She was a magical tomb raider. She has had quiet the life and afterlife," Nick said. He then greeted a ghost couple really quick and returned to them again. "I am glad to see you as well, my gentle Friar," he said.
"I wouldn't miss your Deathday celebration, especially your 500th. I have the honor of being their chaperon as well," Friar Puck said with his friendly smile.
"Feel free to look around. It will still be a while until Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore arrives," he said in a manner that was a mix of bitterness and surprisingly happiness.
"I've never seen so many ghosts in one place before," Hannah said as they made their way to look around.
"I haven't been to many events with a bigger turn out than this. I am concerned how many are here for the Headless Hunt and not Sir Nicholas though. The Headless Hunt is very popular and Sir Nicholas did mention more than a few times they would be making an appearance. I worry he is in for a disappointing end tonight," he gave a ghostly sigh.
"He is a friendly sort, but Sir Patrick is the type who loves to be the center of attention. From what I've heard, thanks to ghosts who knew him in life, he is even more so eager to be the center of attention in death," Friar Puck said with a worrying frown.
The group continued to look around. The refreshment table was horrendous and they made a point of not looking at it for long. "Oh no…" Hermione started suddenly.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"It's moa… Myrtle… She's a ghost that haunts the second floor girls' bathroom. She's always crying and wailing. It makes it rather difficult when having a pee," Hermione said. The other girls couldn't help but look when Hermione pointed her out. They quickly acted like they hadn't seen her.
Harry noticed a girl ghost who looked to be in her fourth or fifth year wearing Hogwarts robes floating over where Hermione looked when mentioning her. "I wish she wasn't so depressing," Luna started. "I would love to have a chat with a Ravenclaw student ghost," she said.
"Is she that bad?" Harry asked.
"Poor Miss Warren has yet to accept her death. She is a rare case of someone who became a ghost, but didn't choose it. I, myself, was similar, but I took a liking to it soon and saw it as a chance to help others," the friar said.
"We've obviously tried to help her. Thus far all efforts have failed. Hopefully with time she will grow past it. She is rather young as a ghost and was so when she died. That is probably why it is so difficult for her," the friar said. He then excused himself momentarily to enjoy the refreshment table.
"That's putting it lightly. She usually floods the toilets with her crying. Even going in there to freshen up can be a mistake," Hannah said.
"No one really uses that toilet anymore. I've heard girls in their most desperate, will relieve themselves in the hallway and just vanish it afterwards. That's if they can't make it to another toilet instead," Luna answered rather causally. The others were too surprised by her bluntness to feel embarrassed by what she said.
"She's earned the nickname Moaning Myrtle because of all of that," Hermione said.
"It isn't very nice to say that about poor Myrtle…" a cackling voice said. It sounded sad in a very insincere and mocking manner.
"Great… Peevees," Susan muttered.
"It is odd to see a firstie and a group of second years at a Deathday party. Such events aren't usually very… Lively," he said laughing at his own terrible joke.
"Nibbles?" he then asked as he smiled wickedly and thrust a tray of rotten food under their noses. He was disappointed their only reaction was a slight look disgust. They weren't about puke from the stench even. He frowned. "You five are no fun. And so rude," he said.
He then called out, "Oh Myrtle… Did you hear what they had to say?" Peevees said grinning.
"Wha-wha-what is it?" a high-pitched whining voice asked.
"They were calling you names," Peevees said thinking he had the students.
"Actually…" started Harry confidently. Peevees didn't like it, but couldn't interrupt. "Luna here was telling us she wished she could have conversations with another Ravenclaw," Harry said.
Myrtle blinked to that. Harry responded too quickly for her to just pass it off as a taunt. "R-r-really?" she asked in surprise.
"No… They. Weren't…" Peevees said trying to get the best of them again. "They were calling you names," he tried once more.
"I've always wanted to know what Ravenclaws learned in the past years. I think it would be really interesting to compare notes," Luna said with a big Luna grin while ignoring the poltergeist.
"I… Don't know what to say," Myrtle replied. She was actually half tempted by the girl's offer. She might be dead, but she was still a Ravenclaw. Intellectual pursuits were still enticing for her.
"They were calling you Moaning Myrtle. Saaad Myrtle. And Pimply," Peevees cackled doing his best to ruin the ambiguous mood.
Myrtle was about to start crying at that, but Friar Puck returned. "Ahhh. Miss Warren. It is good to see you out and about. What brings you here?" he asked.
It seemed even Myrtle found the Friar agreeable. She sniffled but didn't burst into tears, as rare as that was. "S-S-Sir Nicholas invited me. Said I should see what it is like… The… perks... to being… dead…" she said before flying away.
It seemed her resolve could go only so far. She shot from the room, but fought back her tears for the moment. Peevees still chased after her calling her Pimply and seemed to consider the night a success despite not getting to Potter and the others.
Sir Nicholas came over to them and smiled as he asked, "How has it been?"
"Interesting to say the least. It's amazing to see all of the different ghosts," Harry started.
"I like seeing their clothes. Their styles are kind of interesting. Are there any naked ghosts?" Luna asked.
Sir Nicholas blinked to that. "There are a few, but they mostly keep to themselves. For obvious reasons," he said.
"Awww… I don't see why. If I was a naked ghost I would go everywhere. It would feel so freeing," Luna said.
Harry was blushing furiously and the other girls were as well. Luna definitely had a habit for asking the strangest questions. Harry doubted anyone else would think to ask about nude ghosts.
Now, he was more curious than he should be about the topic. Were there Nudist Colonies for ghosts? Did they haunt muggle nude beaches for their afterlife? Why was he even thinking about such things?
"You say that now… I suppose some are in the decent enough condition to go around in such a manner," Sir Nicholas couldn't help but answer. He originally came here to check on them quickly before giving his speech. Luna changed that plan with her unexpected question.
Just then he heard a familiar horn to any ghost. He was glad he had been distracted. He dreaded to think what would happen if he was set on giving his speech just as the Headless Hunt arrived. "That would be Sir Properly-Decapitated Podmore," Sir Nicholas said with a sigh.
[-] [-] [-]
When the Headless Hunt arrived, the atmosphere of the room shifted. It seemed even those here for Sir Nicholas were still happy to see the famous Headless Hunt arrive. Their horn sounded again as a group of men mounted on ghostly horses rode through the wall.
Each of them was doing something to show they were fully decapitated. One had his head constantly bouncing and rejoining his body in time with his horse's gallops. A different one was holding his up with an arm and rotating it. A third ghost pretended to drop his head by accident and his horse kept kicking it forward as they galloped around the hall.
Harry and the others tried not to seem too amused with Sir Nicholas there next to them. The hunt's antics were still entertaining and amusing though. The ghosts seemed to agree as well. After a few more pranks on each other, the hunt came to a halt. The leader, who turned out to be the ghost who let his horse kick his head around, hopped off his horse. He made a show of letting his head wobble much more than it should.
"Nick!" he said in an overly jolly manner. "How are you?! Head still hanging in there, my friend?" he asked grinning around the room getting chuckles from some ghost guests.
"Sir Patrick. You took your time getting here I see," Nicholas said a little rigidly.
"You know how it is. Always having to scramble around I am. I'd lose me head if wasn't tied on. Still do even then!" Patrick said as he rapped on his own head with a ghostly fist. The head fell loose and rolled along his out stretched arm, where he caught it. There were more chuckles to that. Harry would have joined in, but he didn't like how the man was trying to show up Nicholas like this.
"Live 'uns huh?" he then asked as he looked to the group of living guests. He gave an affectionate laugh as he said, "I hope we dead folk aren't… boring your heads off!" His then fell promptly to the floor.
There were more ghostly chuckles this time.
"That was a terrible joke," Luna said.
That got Sir Patrick's attention. He was shocked at the small first year girl. She was staring at him intently with her large silver eyes.
"You're also being a rather rude ghost guest to the host," she said.
Sir Patrick blinked in surprise. He was kind of feeling a shudder as she looked to him with unimpressed silver eyes. There was something about them. He was dead and felt she was seeing through him, and not in the literal sense. "You have a point there miss. Us ghosts seem to forget ourselves after death," he said apologetically.
"Thanks again for the invite," he said in a more polite tone to Sir Nick.
Sir Nicholas was surprised by this turn. He seemed to decide something himself in that moment. He would still broach the subject, but he would do so later. He did have guests to entertain, and as much as he hated to admit it, Sir Patrick was good at that. "I'm glad you arrived. I have a speech to give. After that… Well… do your thing I suppose," he said as he floated over to the center of the room.
"Dear departed Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my great sorrow that I died this day 500 years ago. But as some ghost philosophers say, death is but the start of a glorious afterlife…" Sir Nicholas continued his speech. The Headless Hunt seemed a little restless, but they listened to the speech in earnest.
Once his speech was finished, Sir Nicholas thanked the many guests and introduced Sir Patrick and the Headless Hunt. He then joined Harry and the others once again. "I must admit Young Miss Luna here is probably the first to call out Sir Patrick on his behavior since his death," he said smiling to her in fondness as Sir Patrick's head flew over the crowd while he attempted to yodel.
"Death is no excuse for bad manners," Luna said with a nod.
"I suppose it would be best for you all to leave soon. You might be able to catch the tail end of the feast," Sir Nicholas said.
"Didn't you want us to try and convince Sir Patrick to let you join the Headless Hunt?" Hannah asked.
"I did, but even I know it is in vain. Sir Patrick is many things, but most importantly he is strict about the rules of the hunt," Sir Nicholas said with a hint of sorrow in his ghostly voice. "I do appreciate you all showing up and willing to help me," he added in thanks to them.
"It is getting late. They still need to worry about curfew," Friar Puck said. "I enjoyed the party, Sir Nicholas. May your days of death be eternally pleasant," the ghost friar said with a bow.
"Same to you, my good friar," Sir Nicholas replied.
The group left just as they heard Sir Patrick call out, "Come on Nick, my friend. You may not be a part of the hunt, but you have the best musical trick of any ghost! Our quintet is not a quintet without you." He was giving a friendly smile to Sir Nicholas.
Sir Nicholas shook his head and gave a chuckle that was a mix of exasperation and amusement. He floated up and joined the others just as Harry rounded the corner. Harry was really curious now, but had a feeling ghost music wasn't exactly meant for mortals to hear.
"It seems the Deathday Party won't be as disappointing as I feared. It is surprising to think about now, but the two were actually good friends early on in Sir Patrick's Ghost life. That was before he joined the Headless Hunt and became their leader. Things have unfortunately soured between them these last 300 years. I'm sure you all picked up on that a bit," the friar said as they followed him. None of them could contemplate that sort of time frame, but understood what he meant.
[-] [-] [-]
As the group made their way to Hufflepuff, Harry paused in his steps. The others were really alarmed by this, especially seeing his face.
"Let meee rippp…. Let me tearrrrr…. So hungry… So thirsty… Let me sssspill blood," an inhumane voice said. Harry couldn't tell if it was just in his head or not though.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione was the first to ask in worry.
"You all don't hear that?" Harry asked back.
They shook their heads except for Luna. She seemed frozen in her own terror. She couldn't hear what Harry was talking about, but the Wrackspurts were fleeing and telling her to do the same it felt. She had never seen them act this way. It scared her.
"What are you talking about?" Hannah asked.
"Sssweet blooodd…. Tassssty blood…. Hungry…" the voice continued and seemed to move.
"It's headed upstairs!" Harry said. He started making his way there. The group were worried now, even Friar Puck.
"This is bad… It's some kind of voice seemingly coming from the walls," Harry said.
"A voice… What is it saying?" Susan asked in fear.
"Bad things… Terrible things!" Harry said. He started moving a little faster as the voice seemed to move faster.
"Harry… You're worrying us… What is this voice wanting to do?" Hermione asked.
"I'm worried about what's making the voice instead of the voice itself. It wants blood," Harry said.
"Nexxxt timeeee… pleasssse… Pleasssse…" the voice soon said before it started to disappear.
Harry froze in place. "It's over. Whatever it was doing is over… for now," he said.
"Where did you hear this voice?" Friar Puck asked.
"I heard it in the walls. I just heard it upstairs though. Saying next time please," he answered.
"Wait here you all," the friar said sternly as he floated up through the ceiling.
"What is this?!" they heard the friar shout from above moments later.
The students quickly ran up to join him. Their curiosities overpowered their fears. They had not expected the scene before them. There was water on the floor coming from a nearby bathroom. There was something blackened hanging from a torch.
The most unsettling part of the scene was the bright red writing on the wall.
THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS IS OPEN. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.
"I think we know what trouble Dobby warned me about," Harry said darkly. The girls nodded in agreement, except Luna.
Luna was confused by Harry's words, but more than that she was worried by the writing on the wall. Why did the Wrackspurts say Hogwarts was where she should go? Why would they with this happening? Why?
Soon they heard a loud racket, it seemed the feast just ended, but it was odd everyone was coming up to what was the second floor. Harry figured maybe they heard Friar Puck's shout earlier. Whatever was the case, Harry really hoped telling others their plans would help out here. It would look really bad for them to be here otherwise and he didn't think they would be able to disappear unnoticed in time.
The hall was soon crowded with students from all houses. Everyone started to whisper. One voice was overheard by everyone. "Ha! Enemies of the Heir beware? That means you… mudblood filth…" it was Theodore Nott. He was smirking at everyone as several people gasped at the word he used. Nott figured this would show them all, especially those damn Slytherins that dared be friendly to Harry Potter and his mudblood whore.
Draco frowned at Nott. Many others did as well. It wasn't that none of them agreed with him, but he really did not know how to use tact it seemed. How were they even sure this Heir was a Slytherin? They only had a petrified cat and some words on the wall as evidence. That was not enough for any real conclusions to be drawn.
"What's going on here?" a voice everyone knew and loathed shouted from nearby. Filch came through the crowd looking as unpleasant as ever having been drawn there by the ruckus. He was probably about to hand out detentions for made up excuses, but instead he looked in shock at what was hanging on the wall.
"NOOOOO! Mrs. Norris! No no no! Who did this?!" he shouted in rage.
"It was you, wasn't it!" He shouted at a random first year who squeaked.
"We just got here…" the girl said as she tried to hide behind an older student who looked to be her brother or at least a close relative.
Filch turned on the next group and stomped over towards Harry and the others. "It was you. Wasn't it? I never liked you. Always knew you were trouble! Had it in for me!" he raged at Harry who remained calm. Filch was about to carry on more but was stopped.
"I highly doubt young Mr. Potter, as talented as he may be, could do this Argus," it was Professor Dumbledore this time. He was examining the hanging cat.
"I'm familiar with this exact case! So unfortunate I wasn't here on time. I could have saved Mrs. Norris with just a simple spell," Professor Lockhart said giving what he thought was an intellectual look. There were a few girls who sighed lovingly at it for a moment despite the situation.
"He's gone and killed her!" Filch argued and pointed at Harry.
"She isn't dead. She is just petrified," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Ahhhh… That was my… second guess. The two are very similar you see…" Lockhart added to save his reputation, but no one was really listening to him now.
"Though it is odd Potter and his friends were here before everyone else. It is possible they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time," Professor Snape said neutrally. He then added, "I don't remember if they were at the feast or not though."
"They weren't," a first year said. They then blushed and slunk back into the crowd when Professor Snape looked to them for a further answer. He was playing his part, especially after just telling Mr. Nott they would be having words about his… lack of decorum… in private. Snape had every bit of faith Harry Potter had a reason, or at least an alibi, for not being at the feast.
"They went to a Deathday Party for Nearly Headless Nick," Cedric provided.
"Is that so?" Snape asked.
"We were curious and thought it would be fitting for Halloween," Hermione added.
"I was actually their escort to the party," Friar Puck added.
"They also made me aware of their plans as well, Professor Snape," Professor Sprout added. She had just finished a discussion with Professor Dumbledore about how long it would take for their mandrakes to be ready.
"There you have it, Severus," Professor Dumbledore said. Professor Snape took that as his cue to back off and still save face with his house. "Argus. We will be able to save her. It just so happens with the Mandrakes we have here this year, we can make a restorative draught," the headmaster said.
Filch didn't look happy. He did look begrudgingly accepting though.
"Everyone Please report back to your House. Prefects. If you would be so kind as to lead the way," Professor Dumbledore said.
"I will still need to speak with you six, since you were the first on scene," he added quietly to Harry and the others. They could only nod in agreement at the moment.