With the end of October sweeping down upon Hogwarts like a bird sweeps down on welcome prey – quick, unexpected – Halloween arrived, the week preceding it seven days of laughter, talk and chatter. Much chatter.

There were talks of costumes, many talks, and there were talks of specialities, many specialities. There was also the rumour that there would be several changes in the Hogwarts menu for the Halloween feast, and that Professor Dumbledore was ordering a pixie-conducted band for the night.

“Silly rumours,” I said, throwing my head back rather indignantly when Ron expressed excitement and wonder over the last, little rumour circulating around the castle. “A pixie-conducted band? Pfft.”

Harry merely chuckled, thereafter teasing Ron for ages over my what-nonsense-Ron response, and the latter’s ears blushing beetroot red every time.


Fresh notices were taped on the common room notice boards five or six days before Halloween: There was going to be a Hogsmeade weekend on the last day of October. Students were expected to return to the castle by seven o’ clock at the latest, after which the annual Halloween feast was supposed to commence.

There was excitement in the school, especially in third years and above, because a trip to Hogsmeade was always highly welcome.