Chapter 28: Halloween Feast

"Today we’ll be studying simple Living Being Transfiguration. This is more complex than ordinary object transfiguration, so I expect your full attention," Professor McGonagall said, her voice crisp and clear. The chalk floated across the blackboard, inscribing the key points with perfect precision.

"—Now, who can tell me the main dangers of Living Being Transfiguration?"

The classroom was unusually quiet—no eager hand shot up immediately, as was often the case. After a pause, Mandy Bloxham hesitantly raised her hand.

"Miss Bloxham?"

Professor McGonagall looked at her encouragingly.

"There are four main risks," Mandy began, standing. "First, incomplete transfiguration can cause severe distress to the living being, potentially provoking violent retaliation against the caster. Second..."

Wade lifted his head, scanning the room. He didn’t see the familiar brown hair anywhere—Hermione was absent. But all the other Gryffindors were present.

He turned to Michael beside him. "Have you seen Hermione?"

Michael glanced around. "Maybe she’s not feeling well—staying in the dormitory? Professor McGonagall didn’t say anything."

That made sense, but Wade couldn’t shake the unease in his chest.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall’s sharp gaze swept toward them. Both boys instantly fell silent.

When class ended, students poured out into the corridor like a flood. Wade pushed through the crowd and found Harry and Ron near the entrance.

"Excuse me, Potter, Weasley."

Ron instinctively took a step back as Wade approached.

"W-what is it, Gray?"

"Have you seen Hermione?" Wade asked. "Why wasn’t she at Transfiguration?"

Harry glanced at Ron, who quickly averted his eyes, his expression flickering with guilt.

"How should I know?" Ron snapped. "We’re not exactly close to Granger!"

Wade narrowed his eyes, locking onto Ron’s. Ron dropped his gaze, tugged at Harry’s sleeve, and tried to sound defiant. "If you’ve got nothing else, we’re heading to rest!"

He dragged Harry away, but just then, a voice cut through the noise.

"Harry Potter!"

Harry turned. Wade stood there, expression stern.

"You really don’t know what happened?"

Under that intense stare, Harry felt exposed—like he’d been dragged into the sunlight. His mouth went dry.

He wanted to defend his friend, but lying wasn’t an option.

"Hermione... she was crying," Harry admitted quietly. "After Charms class. After that, we haven’t seen her since... I’m sorry."

Ron pulled him away before he could say more. Wade remained frozen in place, frowning, deep in thought.

But time had locked his memory shut. He strained to recall, but nothing came.

"Probably an argument," Michael said, nodding. "Hermione’s so serious—she’d clash with any Gryffindor eventually. Come on, she wouldn’t miss the Halloween Feast. We’ll ask her later."

Wade nodded.

Behind them, Padma tapped her fingers thoughtfully, then hurried to catch up with her twin sister, whispering urgently.

---

Evening came, and the Great Hall had been transformed. Giant pumpkin lanterns floated beneath the enchanted ceiling, while colorful skull decorations lined the walls. Hundreds of bats circled the hall, sometimes swirling together in dark, shrieking clouds. The flames within the lanterns flickered wildly, casting dancing shadows.

The feast hadn’t started yet, but all four Houses were already packed. Professors arrived one by one. Dumbledore had even dressed in theme—his robes a deep orange, a small bat embroidered on his hat, smiling as he chatted with Professor McGonagall.

Wade scanned the Gryffindor Long Table. But the Lions were too rowdy—Weasley Twins darting between tables, laughing, shouting. Wade stared for a long time, but Hermione was nowhere to be seen.

Then, a hand landed on his shoulder. Before he turned, he caught a faint, familiar scent.

Padma had nudged Anthony aside and leaned in close.

"I know where Granger is."

Wade’s head snapped up. "She’s not at the feast?"

"No," Padma said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "My sister—she’s in Gryffindor—said that after Charms class, Weasley said something terrible about her. Called her a nightmare or something like that."

"—Ron Weasley?" Michael leaned in, stunned. "He actually had the nerve? I mean, didn’t she just curse him on the spot?"

"She cried," Padma emphasized. "In the restroom. For a long time. She wouldn’t let anyone comfort her. My sister even got her a pass for Transfiguration. I just passed by the restroom—I saw her still there."

"I’ll go check," Wade said, rising instantly.

"I’ll take you," Padma offered.

"—But the feast’s about to start," Michael grumbled. "I barely ate anything at lunch." He sighed, watching Wade stride toward the exit. After a moment, he reluctantly stood and jogged after him.

As students continued to file into the Great Hall, the Against the Flow group stood out—especially in Gryffindor’s corner.

Harry, caught in the festive mood, barely noticed at first. But then he saw Wade leave.

The joy drained from him like water from a broken bucket. Memories flooded back.

"Ron!" he grabbed his friend’s arm. "Is Hermione back yet?"

Ron, already eyeing the food, barely registered. "Not that I know of—why?"

"I just saw Gray and the others leave," Harry said. "They must be going to look for her."

"Maybe," Ron shrugged. "Granger’s not exactly one of our crowd, but she’s got friends. They’re on it. Don’t worry."

He didn’t care. He was tired of her constant lectures—sure, seeing her cry had stung a little at the time, but that guilt had long since faded. What remained was only irritation, resentment at her condescending tone.

"But—" Harry hesitated. "They’re Ravenclaw. Hermione’s a Gryffindor."

A bat, magically controlled by Fred, landed on Ron’s head. Laughter erupted around them. Ron swatted it away, too distracted to hear Harry.

After a long pause, Harry stood up. He slipped out of the Great Hall before the feast began.

Dumbledore and Snape both turned their heads at the same moment, watching him go.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end