Harry Potter: The Vanishing Student

Chapter 8 of my Harry Potter story, enjoy.

Reviews

Wolfgirl2013: Thanks and no worries, here we go ;)
Boris Yeltsin: Somewhat yes, however she's kinda worse in that unlike Malfoy, she has no redeeming features.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters.


Chapter 8

The excitement of the Hogwarts students was reaching its peak as October 31st approached, the Halloween Feast rapidly approaching. Indeed, on the day in questions, the Great Hall had been decorated by the Professors, most notably with live bats, a series of huge Pumpkin lanterns big enough for three grown men to sit in together, all grown by the Groundskeeper, Hagrid. In addition there were confectionery-filled pumpkins, apples, black cauldrons of big lollipops, carrot cakes, orange streamers, goblets of coloured sweets and it was confirmed that Dumbledore indeed had set up the trope of dancing skeletons and it was even announced that the school ghosts would be doing a spot of formation gliding too, adding to the entertainment. There were still pressures and difficulties for four certain students, but they were hoping that the feast would give them a chance to relax, enjoy themselves and even momentarily forget their troubles. The feast was not yet due to start, many students were still milling about, discussing it and wondering about how the entertainment would look in the case of First Years. For older students it was all about wondering if the entertainment from last year would be topped. It wouldn't be long to wait, after a whole month of building up, they were finally going to enjoy their feast.

For Amara however, there was something else to engage her before the feast.

'I wonder why Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall wanted to see me.' She thought to herself.

She was approaching a quieter part of the castle, namely a classroom that wasn't really used any more. Reaching the room she paused for a moment, unsure, but then awkwardly knocked.

"Come in."

She entered the room to see both Professors waiting there, Professor Dumbledore smiled when he saw her.

"Ah, Miss Jackson, I'm glad you could make it." Professor Dumbledore said warmly.

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Following the ah...duel with Miss Masters. Professor Dumbledore informed me of the talk the two of you had and that was when we came to a decision."

"I...I don't understand, what…?" Amara questioned worriedly.

In answer Professor Dumbledore stood up from the stool he had been sitting on, next to a large cloth covered object that made Amara's heart race, the shape was unquestionably familiar and she wondered if it truly was what she thought.

"This place will give you peace to practice and enjoy yourself, you are welcome to come here whenever time allows." Professor Dumbledore explained.

Professor McGonagall then added. "However do remember this is a privilege and you should not abuse it, you are still expected to attend classes and to not be out of your dorm or at least your common room after hours."

Amara nodded in understanding, her heart soaring as Professor Dumbledore removed the cloth to reveal a beautiful piano, so similar to the one she practised on at home. Seeing the nods of approval and smiling wider, Amara approached the piano with joy.

Carla couldn't help but notice the bright smile on Amara's face as they approached the Great Hall for the feast.

"What's cheered you up all of a sudden?" She asked, surprised.

Amara laughed and then told her about the piano and how she was allowed to play it in her free time whenever possible, within reason. Carla couldn't help but also grin.

"Wow, that's amazing. I um…" She hesitated, but was still smiling.

Amara shook her head. "Go on?"

"Could I come hear you play at some point?"

Amara grinned wider at that. "Of course, maybe next time I go, I'll bring you along."

"Can't wait." Carla replied in delight.

They had reached the door of the Great Hall and found themselves almost running into Jeff.

"Oh, sorry." He said quickly.

Amara just smiled. "It's fine, so, looking forward to the feast, Jeff?"

Jeff nodded. "Of course, this should be interesting, so...shall we?"

They nodded and together they walked into the Great Hall, taking in all the amazing decorations, the sounds of the people already in the hall. Heading for their respective tables they all looked around in awe and delight. Jeff spotted Jamie sitting at the Hufflepuff table, catching each other's eye Jamie nodded and Jeff smiled back before joining his fellow Slytherins. Before long the feast began and the excitement mounted, especially with the entertainment being provided as they ate. The Professors all up at the staff table were having a good time too, it was clear that a good time was being had by all, even Pixie was leaving others alone to focus on the feast.

Jamie let out a soft yawn as he began his walk. He was alone as most of the other students were still at the feast, a handful of others had already returned to their Common Rooms. Jamie was taking a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet before returning to the Common Room. That was when he heard it, the sound of soft footsteps. He stopped and listened for a moment, the footsteps stopped.

"Hello?" He called out warily.

No answer, but the knew there was someone or something else there. It wasn't a ghost of course due to the fact there had been footsteps. They weren't his own footsteps, since they had continued for about two or three steps after he had stopped before also stopping. A chill went up Jamie's spine as he resumed walking and once again heard the footsteps. He glanced over his shoulder warily and the chill turned into a primal fear. Approaching him from behind was a tall figure, hooded and cloaked, closing in on him, he was being followed. Jamie couldn't help it, his fear overwhelmed him and he broke into a run. He had just reached a corner and was about to turn it, thinking to hide once he was out of sight. But once he turned the corner he bumped into someone and nearly fell but they caught him.

"No!" He cried.

"Mr. McIntyre, what on-?"

He started and then saw who had caught him. "P-Professor Bennett. There's, there's someone after me. I saw him, I-"

Professor Bennett narrowed her eyes before stepping around Jamie and pulling out her wand, stepping into the previous corridor and cast a spell.

The whole corridor briefly lit up, showing nobody was there. But they could both faintly hear the footsteps, moving away quickly.

"Well, there's not anymore." Professor Bennett muttered. "This is troubling. I'll take you to your Common Room, Mr. McIntyre, then I'll alert the other Professors. If whoever this is truly is trying to get you, they'll hide and wait, that'll allow us to find them. If this is just random, they'll have fled the castle and not return. Don't worry, we will take care of this."

Jamie nodded, still in shock and horror at what happened, following Professor Bennett to the Hufflepuff Common Room, praying that she was right.


End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.