Chương 101: Chapter 101: The Halloween Banquet and the Pumpkin House
The history of magic class had ended. Although Professor Binns' answers were somewhat unreasonable, when had magic ever been reasonable? Perhaps only Alchemy had some semblance of reason.
That evening.
The sweet smell of pumpkin filled the entire castle, signifying that Halloween had arrived.
The Great Hall was decorated, as usual for this time, with live bats.
The gigantic pumpkins Hagrid had grown were also put to use, carved into lanterns.
There were even large pumpkins modified into pumpkin houses that could fit three or four people.
The most interesting, or perhaps the most terrifying, decoration was the giant spider web hanging from the ceiling of the entrance hall, with a huge black spider "crouching" on it, occasionally twitching its hairy legs.
Moreover, the giant spider would randomly select a young wizard passing by, and when chosen, a silvery-gray web would descend from above, wrapping the young wizard tightly.
Of course, whenever this prank happened, it would cause everyone around to laugh heartily, especially the younger students who would even stand aside waiting to see this magical scene.
"Click!" A crisp sound accompanied by a flash of white light.
Colin was quite excited, feeling as if this was all a dream. From receiving the owl letter, boarding the Hogwarts Express, to rowing across the lake to the castle.
Everything here seemed incredible to him, especially today, his first holiday and first banquet since starting school.
Countless magical scenes made him worry that he might run out of film.
On the other side of the hall, as Ino noticed the flash of white light, he also realized something.
Not only could he be a bard in this fantasy world, but he could also be a professional photographer.
Considering the stories he had experienced over the past three years, there were many regrets and farewells. If only he had a camera back then.
The town square of old John, the ice castle of the White Witch, the elves in the dense forest, the battle under the Lonely Mountain—if all these could be preserved...
"Looks like I need to find the Dervish & Banges to modify a camera tomorrow."
While Ino was lost in thought, Draco's voice came from beside him.
"Why are you so late? Come on! I had Goyle reserve a pumpkin house a while ago."
Faced with Draco's invitation, Ino didn't immediately agree as usual.
He knew the purpose of the pumpkin house, which at Hogwarts was also known as the Halloween Couple's House. Due to its limited number, it was always in high demand each year.
Think about it—a boy inviting another boy into a couple's house... It would be weird no matter how you looked at it.
"What are you thinking!" Realizing Ino's hesitation, Draco was somewhat annoyed.
"Pansy and Daphne are already inside. Goyle got a big pumpkin, so it can easily fit four people."
"Oh! Then let's go!" Ino nodded lightly. For a moment, when he first heard the invitation, he was really stressed.
Walking along the edge of the hall.
Before long, Ino saw the pumpkin house that Goyle had reserved. He wasn't sure what method Hagrid used, but a perfectly good pumpkin was grown to the size of a small car.
"Ino, come in!" A small head suddenly popped up at the window of the pumpkin house. Daphne was leaning out of the pumpkin window, smiling and greeting.
Entering the large pumpkin, there was a stalk-like table in the center, with the inside hollowed out. A circle of raised seats around it was covered with cushions, forming the most natural seating.
Pansy and Daphne were sitting opposite each other, with all kinds of candies and snacks on the small table in the middle.
"This is my first time coming in. I didn't expect it to be like this inside." Ino looked around the pumpkin house with interest.
Honestly, this little house filled with a sense of security was hard not to like.
"Last year, I had Goyle reserve one, but Quirrell ruined the banquet." Draco proudly recounted his past success.
As the three chatted, Pansy, who had been silent, suddenly spoke seriously:
"Ino, isn't this like what you said on the train? The difference is, the rats hide in the sewer, and we hide in the castle, hide in the pumpkin house."
To be fair, Pansy's words were somewhat of a mood killer for a festive banquet.
However, as Pansy's words fell, Draco and Daphne also quieted down.
Seeing their inquisitive expressions, Ino felt a bit overwhelmed. He hadn't expected them to remember this for more than two months.
This was truly unexpected.
But after a moment of thought, he decided not to delay any longer. After all, it had been proven that the young Slytherins were not easily fooled. If they could remember once, they could remember countless times.
"Alright! Let's talk about it! Although this topic is a bit heavy."
Ino sighed lightly and then looked around. The little pumpkin house isolated them from everyone's gaze, including the portraits hanging on the walls of the hall.
"Before we talk about this, we need to understand one thing, which is the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy signed in 1689, and the changes in wizards' lives after it took effect in 1692..."
To be honest, if it weren't for hearing Professor Binns mention the Muggle-Repelling Charm today, it would be difficult for him to recall these dates so easily.
Time passed by minute by minute.
Unlike the bustle of the hall, the small pumpkin house was filled with a quiet atmosphere.
"…In the end, let us remember this turning point in history and pay tribute to the pioneers who sacrificed. Without their efforts and struggles, we wouldn't be sitting here enjoying delicious food and chatting freely."
After about half an hour, Ino had re-explained the history lesson from that morning.
Unlike Professor Binns' tedious and lengthy lectures, his retelling was more concise, retaining only the essential points of history.
"We really are like rats in the sewer..."
Draco was the first to react, murmuring in disbelief.
"Quite pathetic, huh?" Pansy and Daphne also nodded in agreement.
Their inexplicable reactions left Ino bewildered. He had merely edited Professor Binns' content without adding any personal bias.
"Oh, come on! Is this necessary? This was today's history of magic lesson! And the professor also mentioned the Muggle-Repelling Charm. If you're interested, I can teach you."
"Professor Binns? History of magic? He taught a spell?" Draco's eyes widened, firing off three questions in quick succession.
"Yes! History of magic. It's not my fault you all always fall asleep!" Ino rubbed his temples in frustration.
"That old ghost's voice has some sort of magic. I want to listen properly, but I just can't control myself." Daphne said pitifully.
As Daphne finished speaking, Pansy said slowly:
"Ino, you should teach us. In all of Slytherin, you're the only one who can endure Professor Binns' droning. From now on, just like today, after every history of magic class, we can gather together. I think many people will join us. Last year, aside from you, everyone else got either P or A in the history of magic."
Faced with his landlord's request, Ino thought for a moment before agreeing.
It was a simple task, after all, just one class a week. It wasn't worth damaging his relationship with Pansy over it.
"No problem. After each history of magic class, we'll find a place, and I'll go over it with you."
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