Hogwarts Journeys; Ch. 9-25, To be written! Options

[evlpez]

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[evlpez]

(Not yet beta'd.)

Thursday was Halloween. Philip demonstrated in Charms class again while Lockhart fiddled with a key on his desk, apparently trying to remember what it was for. The Gryffindors spent much of the time looking ahead to future chapters, since they'd covered Leviosa so well during study group and could all levitate at least a feather proficiently. Claude Jugson and most of the other Slytherins grudgingly took notes and only Penelope was ready to leave with the Gryffindors when class was dismissed.

The Great Hall was decorated in dancing black and orange streamers and bats lined the walls. A hundred carved jack-o-lanterns floated above the tables and the floor in front of the staff table was lined with some of Hagrid's biggest pumpkins. Each of the professors had chosen and carved a pumpkin to resemble another, and everyone amused themselves by guessing the artists. Professor Longbottom and Hagrid laughed together at a meter-high masterpiece wearing cut up lengths of curly vines for hair and a beard, and Madam Hooch congratulated Lockhart on the primitive and slightly demonic likeness of Professor Jacobson. Lockhart found a pumpkin that looked almost exactly like him, courtesy of Professor Lovegood, but pouted and whined when he couldn't get the light inside to stay lit, sending the Gryffindor table into hysterics.

The students filled themselves with food and their pockets with candies and wizarding treats. James was giving Professor Krum the thumbs up on his pumpkin of Madam Hooch when Lily called down the table to him.

"Do first years have Astronomy this evening?" She asked James.

"No. Wiles cancelled today's because of the feast. Why?"

She nodded to the doors of the Great Hall, through which Duke was leaving early, and turned to Freddy. "If I'm lucky, he's going to write his essay for Professor Lovegood."

James didn't think much on it, as Lockhart had just set the tablecloth on fire, causing Gryffindor to cheer. Wiles and Jacobson put it out while Lockhart smiled and waved from behind them.