35 Monday

Melofors was technically a conjuration spell, but here they were, the week before Halloween, learning to cast it in Charms class. It was said that they were meant to learn it in their DADA class, but Snape hadn't been tolerant of that addition to the curriculum, probably because it was too childish. So instead, Flitwick had taken it upon himself and pushed their normal schedule to the side for the week.

In case the students might accidentally hurt one another, they were practicing on mannequins. The professor was walking behind them and helping students adjust their positioning. All around Noelle, mannequins were clattering to the ground with pumpkins encasing their heads. She smirked. Halloween was honestly one of her favorite times of year for reasons like this. Of course, now she would have to worry about other students turning her head to a pumpkin, even though Flitwick had expressly forbidden it.

Tuesday would probably be the most boring classes of the week, as it was unlikely that Madame Hooch or Professor Snape would do anything festive. However, Wednesday, they'd be making prank potions and learning about the history of witches and wizards during Halloweens before their time, however, they'd be having a test at the beginning of class before the fun began. On top of that, Azraeyn had claimed to have big plans for DnD as well. Thursday they'd be transforming pumpkins into other useful objects, which only served to remind Noelle of the Cinderella story with her carriage.

She tried to focus on the melofors charm but her mind was anxiously awaiting the rest of the week and concerned too about the Slytherins' next group meeting on Friday. Another mannequin hit the ground, startling her back to the present. Flitwick was behind her looking between her mannequin and herself.

"Having any trouble Ms. Lestrange?"

She shook her head furiously, feeling hot with embarrassment as she returned her focus to the spell. "Sorry Professor." When he continued to watch her she thrust her wand forwards. "Melofors!"

The mannequin's head became completely obstructed by a pumpkin. Noelle couldn't help but wonder, as she straightened up and returned her wand to her pocket, if that had been cast on a real person, could they breath? She put a hand to her throat and sucked in a deep breath.

"Good job!" Flitwick praised her and moved on.

Noelle shook her head and returned her hand to her side. She wouldn't let anything bother her before Halloween. After, she could begin worrying about everything anew.

Tuesday

Noelle had been right about classes. Flying had been cancelled altogether and they continued their normal class schedule for DADA.

Trying to spend all the extra free time she found herself with wisely, Noelle wrote her family, did a bit of studying up on classes, and tried to think if there was anything she could wear as a costume of sorts to the party on Sunday. Everything she came up with she either, didn't think she could accomplish with her limited resources, wouldn't be allowed at the school, or were just no fun. Then, she thought of something that at least Kade would enjoy. It would be simple, not all that exciting, but amusing and she knew she could get away with it and not have to worry all night about getting in trouble.