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Haunted House
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 11-11-16 15:03
Fritz is dressed in ratty, dingy clothing and is wearing makeup that causes him to look as if he's a ghost or someone on the verge of death. He's got a length of chain in one hand, which he uses to drag across the floor or rattle against the metal railing of a staircase in the haunted house on the Hogwarts grounds. It's so dark in the haunted house, even though it's the middle of the day, because heavy blackout curtains cover the windows and there's very limited lighting. Fritz supposes he can see because he's gotten used to the darkness.
He hears voices nearby and tracks the owners. The Alchemy professor slinks up behind them and lets the chain go so that it falls in a heavy heap on the wooden floorboards. The students jump and screech and then bust out laughing. Fritz, meanwhile, quickly gathers up his length of chain and ducks behind a large potted plant to avoid being seen.
Nestled in the branches are rubber spiders, which Fritz and other staff and volunteers had stashed there for later use while preparing the haunted house for today's carnival. He grabs one of the spiders and launches it at a group of students. The spider's legs have little spurs, which get caught in a student's long hair. She shrieks and begs one of her friends to "Get it off me, get it off me!!!!"
Fritz resists the urge to laugh, and for the most part he's able to control himself. It's only when Professor Snape sweeps through to make sure no couples are making out in dark corners that Fritz can't help himself. He points his wand at Snape and grins when a whoosh of ice-cold air sweeps past Snape's ankles and causes the hem of his robes to whip up into the air. Snape almost skips a step but then whirls around and studies the dark corner where Fritz is now openly laughing.
Suddenly there's high-pitched screaming, which distracts both Fritz and Snape, but it's only a group of girls who've now come upon Snape in his all-black getup in the darkened room. "It's a vampire!" one of them shrieks.
Snape swoops away to continue his quest to breakup canoodling students, ignoring the girls completely. Fritz waits for them to pass and then falls into step behind them, dragging his chain on the floor as he walks. They scream even louder and run off into another room.
Fritz is really glad he volunteered to scare students in the haunted house. He's having a great time doing it!
Wicked Witch
Author: Illyria
Date: 11-11-16 17:24
The Great Hall was festively decorated for Halloween. Grinning Jack-o-lanterns and black candles bobbed in the air just beneath the enchanted ceiling, which depicted a cloudy, midnight blue sky and a bright full moon. Every so often, a colony of bats swept from one eave to another, or the Hogwarts ghosts drifted into the Great Hall through one of the walls.
Illyria was dressed as the Wicked Witch from the Muggle story The Wizard of Oz. She knew about the character from when the Drama Club performed the story some years ago. Even if she had to explain herself to those who weren't familiar with her character, Illyria was glad to have chosen the costume. It had been easy to put together, and the green makeup was fun and drew attention her way.
She was in charge of the refreshments table. Besides standard fare like butterbeer and pumpkin fizz, there were holiday-appropriate drinks like a green, bubbling punch in a cauldron that required stirring every so often and another mystery drink was bright red and had the consistency of blood. Illyria cackled and handed a cup of the red stuff to an older student, who looked intrigued rather than repulsed.
Her son was in the daycare. Illyria had thought it would be cute to parade him around the carnival, but she didn't want to frighten him with her costume, and some of the others worn by students and other staff were a bit scary too. Ian was dressed up in solid red footie pajamas with a little devil's tail out the back and a warm knitted cap with horns. The boy, who didn't like to sleep, was her little devil. Even now he was probably demanding attention from the house-elves who worked in the daycare.
Nathan, meanwhile, was ill. He had a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose. Nathan was taking advantage of the weekend to sleep and hopefully recover from his illness.
Illyria had a new customer to her table. She smiled at the girl and asked in a raspy, witchy voice, "And what can I get you, my pretty?"
The girl mulled over the punch selections before settling on an easy standby, a chilled bottle of butterbeer. Illyria passed one over and cackled maniacally. The girl fled with an awkward laugh.
Knight and Gladiator
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-11-16 18:40
Oliver clanked when he walked. He was dressed as a knight in shining armor, complete with helmet that all but covered his eyes and made it difficult for him to see where he was going. Oliver had almost not gone to the carnival, since he was still in trouble for sneaking into Hogsmeade village. His parents via his uncle had at the last minute given him permission to go, though, and had also arranged for him to get a costume.
He ran into a wall, only for Grace to grab onto his metal arm and redirect him.
"I think this was a bad idea," Oliver remarked. His voice sounded strange from within his metal helmet.
"Why do you say that?" asked Rand, who was walking on Grace's other side but sounded miles away.
"Because I can't see or hear a thing, and I've got to use the loo."
"You should have gone before you got dressed," Grace pointed out.
"I did!" Oliver exclaimed, "but I'd also just had a whole glass of pumpkin juice."
"Well, what are you going to do?" Rand asked.
"Hold it for now, I reckon," Oliver replied. He was already thinking he'd have trouble eating and drinking anything else with his helmet on. Sure, he could take it off, but he wanted to stay in character.
"Just be careful," Rand advised. "You don't want to be the new Kaycee."
Last year, their classmate had peed herself at the Halloween carnival after getting scared by two older students.
"I don't guess anyone will notice if I have an accident," Oliver said. "It'll just run down my leg and slosh around in my metal shoe."
"Eww!" Grace exclaimed. "Yuck!" said Rand.
They finally arrived at the Great Hall, which had involved a difficult trek down the marble staircase. Somehow, Oliver had managed it without tumbling down and denting his suit of armor.
There they ran into his uncle, who was dressed as a Roman gladiator. Oliver felt himself grinning despite his obstructed view. It looked like his uncle was wearing leather skirt. Oliver felt his bladder complain. He fidgeted where he stood.
"All right, Oliver? Rand? Grace?" asked Professor Somerset.
"Yes, Sir," the latter two echoed. "Yes," Oliver managed. "Where's Lilly?"
"With your grandparents," Ethan answered. With Adriana still at large, he didn't yet feel comfortable bringing Lilly home again, even to a place as safe as Hogwarts. "They are taking her trick-or-treating later."
"What's she this year?" Oliver asked.
"A cat. Apparently your grandparents have been feeding a stray and Lilly's smitten with it."
"Is my mum here?" Grace asked.
Ethan nodded and pointed to where several booths were arranged. They offered various eats, from snacks to something a little more substantial.
"You kids have fun," he said, "and stay out of trouble." He looked pointedly at Oliver, who could only sort of see.
Oliver nodded his metal head and walked off with Grace and Rand to see what sorts of games were available.
Fancy Dress For The Marchbanks
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 11-11-16 20:19
Cornington walks out of the main castle entrance, holding the door for a couple of laughing girls chattering about what scared them most in the haunted house. The haunted house is his own destination though he may stop along the way to see what else there is now that everything's set up.
A few steps further and he stops at hearing his name from behind. "Cornington, is that you?"
Edmund Woodhouse, one of Cornington's roommates, is exiting the castle. Cornington raises a hand in greeting. "Yes, hi. You left the room before I put on my fancy dress."
Cornington has thick mane of red hair with an equally thick beard. He's wearing red robes with gold and intricate designs on the sleeves. He's also got on red gauntlets and is carrying a sword at his waist.
Edmund reaches Cornington, "I saw it all on your bed or I'd not have thought it was you just now. Godric Gryffindor?"
"Yeah. Considered being Helga Hufflepuff since she's our house founder but thought I'd get too much guff for dressing as a woman, even if she is famous."
Edmund, dressed in clothing similar to one of the portraits found along the way to the Hufflepuff House entrance, laughs. "Yeah, though it would have been a grand fancy dress. Maybe I'll do that next year."
The two friends make through way to the haunted house, stopping now and then at one of the games and looking at the costumes worn by others, and wondering why some don't do fancy dress when it can be fun to come up with a costume idea.
At one game they stop to watch Cornington's brother Leo. Leo hadn't said much about what his costume might be or even if he was definitely going to wear one. At the sight of his brother, Cornington bursts our laughing and has a hard time stopping. Hearing him, Leo finishes his turn at the game and moves to join Cornington and Edmund. Gasping for breath Cornington says, "A garden gnome?"
"I know, sort of lame but who else was going to dress as one? Just don't try to grab me by the ankles to spin around then throw," Leo grins.
The three talk a little longer then Leo goes back to the game, wanting another turn and the two younger boys continue on to the haunted house.
Not far from the haunted house Baron and Jade wait in a short line for a spooky flying carpet experience. Still chuffed over placing third in his group last Sunday in the Arithmancy Challenge, Baron has had to work a little bit not to gloat. He's never been prone to gloating that he knows of, other than when defeating one of his siblings in a game, but for some reason even though it was only third place and not third, Baron has felt, as Jade put it, somewhat big headed. He has no idea why. Gloating is poor sportsmanship so isn't something he wishes to become known for.
After some discussion on whether to do couple related costumes or be individual, they decided to come dressed as a couple. This led to another discussion before they picked one of Jade's suggestions, Jack Skellington and Sally from a Muggle movie called The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jade had asked Professor Miller if he had a copy of the movie. He not only did but was more than happy to let them watch it, with anyone else interested, two weekends ago at Cloud's Kiss. Jade and Baron had their costumes by then but now they make sense to him and have a context.
Their turn for the spooky flying carpet experience comes, both eagerly climbing onto the carpet and getting settled, wondering what's going to be spooky about the ride.
(Tessa) Mummy Wrap Game
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-12-16 08:45
Tessa scanned the Great Hall to see what sorts of activities were taking place. She was there alone because she had given up on waiting for Blakeney to finish getting dressed. Blakeney's costume was no less elaborate than Tessa's, but Blakeney was in no apparent hurry to make an appearance at the Halloween carnival. Tessa, however, didn't wanted to miss anything else.
She was dressed as a blue dragonfly. Gossamer wings were attached to her back. Instead of wearing a unitard to represent the bug's body, Tessa wore a filmy blue dress that shimmered. She also wore sparkly makeup on her face and had glitter in her hair.
Tessa suddenly had the feeling she was being watched, and she turned to see Chip staring at her. He swallowed hard and hurried over from where he'd been standing across the room. Chip was dressed up as a dragon keeper. He wore nondescript, khaki robes that had some scorch marks strategically placed. A toy Welsh Green was perched on his shoulder.
"Tessa, hi," Chip greeted. "You look really pretty."
"Thanks," Tessa replied, with a polite smile. "I like your fancy dress. Do you want to be a dragon keeper when you grow up?"
"I don't know," Chip answered. "I like the idea, but I'm not sure I want a job where my life might be at risk."
"I don't blame you," Tessa said.
"Are you a big blue fairy?" Chip asked.
Tessa laughed. "No, I'm a dragonfly. A pretty dragonfly."
Chip smiled. "Yeah… Listen, there's going to be a mummy wrap game in about two minutes and I need a partner. Will you play with me?"
Tessa shrugged and said, "Sure, why not?"
They went over to where the game was going to be take place. Mr. Filch, looking disgruntled as ever, was there holding a package of toilet paper rolls. He handed one roll to each pair of students. His cat, Miss Ophelia, was also given a roll, which she proceeded to tear into shreds.
When there were enough contestants, the game began. Tessa used the toilet paper roll to wrap Chip up into a mummy. When the roll was all used up, the contestant then needed to hop or shuffle across the room and then return to the starting position. Whoever did so first, earned a prize.
Miss Ophelia took great interest in the trailing toilet paper and swiped at ankles as they passed her by. Chip did his best to avoid the cat tripping him up, but he nevertheless lost out to a spry first year student.
Laughing, Tessa helped unravel Chip when he finally returned to where she was waiting for him. They agreed to stick together, since neither Alys nor Blakeney had made an appearance to the carnival yet.
(Noah) Unicorn Butt
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 11-12-16 13:00
Somehow, Noah got roped into being the second half of the unicorn fellow first year Ravenclaw student Brianna Wentworth had selected for herself and best friend Cynthia Yewbeam. The girls had gotten into an argument when Cynthia decided she didn't want to be the unicorn's backside, which required staying bent forward and also being face-to-face with her partner's derrière. As Brianna had no intention of being the unicorn's lower half, she offered it to Noah, and because Noah didn't have any other ideas for Halloween, he agreed.
He sort of regretted it now, because the only view he had was of Brianna's backside, which was clad in a pair of cotton shorts. Being only twelve years old as of a couple of weeks ago, Noah wasn't really interested in girls' butts just yet.
His back was also killing him. Whoever invented the two-person unicorn/horse/what-have-you costume should have come up with a way to keep the second half comfortable. Noah really didn't want to spend all day walking around with his torso parallel to the ground. He had a feeling he'd be really sore tomorrow. Maybe he wouldn't even be able to get out of bed and go to class. Or worse, what if his back was stuck this way forever?
"There you are," a muffled voice said. Noah recognized it as belonging to Cynthia. She sounded smug, or maybe it was his imagination.
"What are you wearing?" asked Brianna coldly.
Cynthia pranced around in front of her. "I'm a unicorn, obviously."
Noah couldn't see Cynthia's costume, but if he could, then he'd notice that she was indeed dressed like a unicorn, though one that was bipedal. She wore black shoes that resembled hooves, white, downy coveralls, and she had a horn on her head. She also wore a rainbow wig that was supposed to be her mane.
"You copied me," Brianna stated accusingly.
"No, I didn't," Cynthia replied. "My unicorn looks totally different than yours."
"It does not and yes you did," Brianna hotly responded.
"So what? There can't be two unicorns on Halloween?"
"No!" Brianna petulantly exclaimed.
"I say there can be."
Eventually, Noah had enough. He detached himself from Brianna, which took some finagling since they were latched together. He stood up straight with a groan and a stretch and breathed in the fresh air. It was then that he realized they were outside on the lawn. Funny how he hadn't ever realized that while stuck inside the costume.
Brianna whirled on him. "What are you doing?"
"You two have something to work out, and I'm hungry. Catch you later, Bri." He walked off before she could say anything. As it happened, when Cynthia started laughing, Brianna whirled back toward her friend and temporarily forgot all about Noah.
(Caleb) Ruined Plans
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 11-12-16 14:46
Caleb met with Sophie at the entrance of the Great Hall. She was dressed like what muggles call a punk, with a leather jacket, combat boots, a chain strapped to her jeans, and a plaid flannel shirt. Her blonde hair had turned bright pink and it was all spiked. He was shocked by this transformation, even more so because they agreed they wouldn't dress up. While he was wearing normal clothes, she clearly stood out as a punk.
"I thought we agreed about no costumes…" he said.
"I know. But it was Mickey's idea. He convinced me to do so. It was a last-minute thing," she justified.
Who else but Gryffindor Mickey Moon to insert crazy ideas into Sophie's head? Caleb was tired of his influence over her. When Mickey was around Sophie turned into a different person. It was like he challenged her to be wilder and bolder. And she seemed to enjoy that, ignoring Caleb's warnings. He was a quiet stable person. Not in a million years he would stay up late at night in a school day, like Mickey and Sophie did. He would never try spells they haven't learned yet, and he would not fly a broom on a rainy day, like they did on some weekends.
Mickey tried to purchase Fire Whiskey at Hogsmeade, and Sophie accepted to give it a try if he managed to buy some. Luckily he was not able to, and Caleb was shocked when Sophie shared this information with him. She was a prefect, she should have not encouraged Mickey to try and buy alcoholic drinks for his own and other students. He was dangerous.
Once Caleb asked if Sophie liked Mickey in a romantic way. She guaranteed they were friends, like she and Caleb were and she mentioned Mickey expressed the wish the three of them should spend more time together. It was a lie because despite Caleb's efforts to tag along whenever the two of them were together, he was always cut out somehow. Just like today, when they all agreed not to dress up and Sophie had shown up with a costume. He was sure Mickey would come dressed up as well.
"Quigley! Nice clothing. What are you dressed like?" And there he was dressed as a punk as well, and teasing Caleb. "Ready to go inside?" He asked, more to Sophie than to himself.
"You two go ahead. I'm not dressed up."
"Nonsense," Sophie said. "I want you to come. We had agreed to go to the Haunted House together."
"No it's all right. I just realized I must finish my History of Magic essay for tomorrow. I forgot about it. "
"But Caleb…" Sophie protested.
"I'm sorry. Have fun!" he told them, and then he went upstairs, straight to the Ravenclaw common room.
He was furious with Mickey and with himself. Why did he run away like a little child, with the intention to go pouting into the safety of the Ravenclaw tower? He was so frustrated that he was having trouble to recall the password to enter the common room. He knew it started with 'C' but he was having a huge blank.
"Consommé," someone said behind him.
"Thanks," he said, only then noticing it was Patricia. Unlike her sister she was not wearing some crazy scandalous punk attire. In fact she was dressed like a Beauxbatons student, wearing their light blue uniform and matching hat.
"Nice costume," he complimented, as they both entered the common room.
"Thank you. One of the students lent me this for Halloween. It was the only good thing about my SAT experience, the new friendships and going to France."
Caleb already knew Patricia did not have one of the best performances at the Runic Rodeo. As a Ravenclaw like her he could understand how that could be frustrating. He wanted to comfort her somehow, assure her she has done her best and that no one was mad at her for her poor result. But he thought it wouldn't be proper considering their history. Moreover, she didn't even give him the chance to say anything because she went upstairs to the girls' dorms.
He sat on a comfortable armchair, unsure what to do with himself for the rest of the day now that his plans of visiting the Haunting House with Sophie had been ruined.