Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 10 The Halloween Party

I arrived at the room to find Ginny and Hermione lying on my bed, talking excitedly. I had barely enough time to set Shawna's letter down before they caught sight of me and they each grabbed a hand to tug me down to sit with them.

"You're still going to help us, aren't you?"

"Of course, Herms. We'll start with your hair. Give me a minute to think." I studied Hermione's face and hair. "Got it." Waving my phoenix-feather cored wand over the brown locks I muttered, "Cirratus Abscissa."

"Oh, wow," Ginny said sounding amazed.

Hermione jumped out of bed and raced to the mirror. Her hair was now a rich golden honey that hung to her waist in gentle curls. Part of it was tied back at the temples in skinny braids. "I love it! It's perfect!"

"My turn! My turn!"

"Okay, okay. Don't get your panties in a bunch. Hmm...Exoticus Abscissa Fusco."

"Oh my, Ginny!"

"What?" She pushed Hermione away from the mirror. Ginny's long hair was now a shoulder length bob and pitch black. "How did you do that?"

"Come to think of it, your hair is different almost every morning."

"I learned from a book my mother gave me when I was twelve, I would've figured y'alls moms would've shown you."

"Nope. Mum's not so interested in her personal grooming. I guess having seven kids can do that. So can you teach us?" Ginny begged.

"I'll copy the book for each of you. How's that?"

"Fantastic! Finally an end to my frizzy hair!" Ginny and I laughed at Hermione and talked about hair and boys for a few minutes.

I started on their makeup. Hermione was made over with soft pink blush, lips, and nail polish. I used my magic stick to apply glittery light purple eye shadow and a hint of eyeliner and mascara. Ginny, I charmed with a tanning spell, making her pale freckled skin a deep clear olive. I then used memory to recreate the Egyptian queen's fabled beauty. I decided to only put a soft iridescent eye shadow, deep red lipstick, and lots of black kohl on Ginny's eyes. Hermione and Ginny were very pleased with their new makeovers and thanked me profusely. Not really use to such gratitude, I waved it off and told them to go get dressed.

Their beautician hurried to get ready before they came back in. I'd just managed to clasp the chain around my neck when I heard their voices, which abruptly stopped.

"Is it too much? It is, isn't it?"

"Aurora, it's beautiful."

"You look great!"

I looked critically into the mirror. My usually waist length chestnut hair was swept up haphazardly. Tendrils of curls spilled over and gave a look of disarray. My face and body were coated with a soft shimmer. Makeup was kept to a minimal, a lush rose on my lips. The dress sparkled and fit as if made for me personally. Lifting the hem I showed the girls the dainty ballet style slippers I had found on sale. An Aztec charmed coin dangled from the chain and glinted in the light.

"Beautiful dress, Aurora."

"Thanks, Herms."

"So what are you, a princess?" Ginny asked.

"Elizabeth from Pirates of the Caribbean. Draco's going as Captain Jack."

"I have got to see that!" Hermione squealed.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Here. I transformed these for your costumes." I handed Ginny a serpentine armband with glowing red eyes. Hermione was given a necklace with a vial of blue 'poison' dangling from it. "Those are new earrings. I expect them returned. Now, come on. I'm sure the boys are getting impatient."

Ron and Neville had obviously finished getting dressed ages ago and were in the middle of a game of chess. Us three girls watched from the stairway as Neville's knight reared up and kicked Ron's bishop savagely. Ron frowned, contemplating his next move. Neville slapped his shoulder.

"Not now."

He hit him harder.

"What?" Ron demanded, turning.

For once both boys were rendered speechless.

"Bloody hell you girls look stunning," Ron finally blurted out.

"Positively gorgeous," Neville seconded.

"Where's Harry?" Ginny asked looking around.

"Said he'd meet up with us."

The group exited Gryffindor Tower. Draco was waiting in the corridor.

"You look breathtaking." He swept into a bow and kissed my gloved hand.

"And you look quite dashing, Captain Sparrow."

"Jack, please."

"Who are you supposed to be?" Ron snickered.

"Captain Jack Sparrow at your service, my good sir," he answered with a flourish of his hand. His usually straight white blonde hair had been covered with a wild dark wig and he sported a beard and moustache. When he smiled I noticed several gold teeth. He could have been Jack's twin brother.

"Who?" Ron asked still confused.

"Jack Sparrow, a character from Pirates of the Caribbean. It's a Muggle movie. Aurora's the heroine, Elizabeth."

"Oh. Is that the one you told us about with the cursed gold?"

"Yeah."

"Everyone ready?" Neville asked. At the affirmative nods the couples strolled arm in arm downstairs.

I noticed Ron couldn't stop gawking at his date. Hermione solved the problem with a quick kiss and telling him how handsome he looked. He gave her a huge grin in return. Poor Neville was trying hard not to appear self-conscious in his costume. Ginny gave him a leer and looked him over slowly. The Marc Anthony costume accented his muscular chest and gave him an air of authority. She asked him where he had been hiding a body like that. He turned beet red but couldn't help sticking out his chest and kissed her cheek. Ginny laid a lip lock on him in return. The lipstick stayed where it was supposed to be, thanks to the glamour spell.

'Glad the boys approve.'

The Great Hall had seen drastic changes. Instead of the four separate house tables there were lots of smaller ones that could seat 10-12 people at each. Jack-o'-lanterns grinned and frowned at the students while hovering here and there. Orange and black striped candles were at the center of the tables, casting a romantic glow. Bats flapped leathery wings high overhead. The Enchanted Ceiling showed a clear summer's night, a new moon with lightning flashing. Spider webs hung from rafters as well as between chair legs. Creepy music and noises could be heard in the background.

"The hall looks awesome," I commented walking in under a large web.

"Thanks. Hermione, Professors Flitwick and Sprout, and I decorated it with the other prefects help," Ron bragged.

We sat at an empty table and Neville remarked, "Pansy's glaring at you, Draco."

"Thank you, Neville. I hadn't noticed," he smirked. "She's still mad I didn't ask her I suppose."

"Why didn't you?" he asked.

"Let me think. She's annoying, looks like a pug and is constantly hanging all over me. Ginny, would you mind teaching me that Bat Bogey hex of yours? It might come in handy next time she feels the need to try to crawl into my lap."

Everyone but me stared at him stunned before the entire table burst out chuckling. When it died down, Professor Dumbledore stood at his table.

"Students, faculty, welcome to our First Annual Halloween Party. There are several surprises in store for you this evening. But before the party begins, dig in!"

With those words, menus appeared on each person's plate.

"Ron, where's Harry?"

"No idea, Mione. He said he'd be here. Maybe he changed his mind." He looked down at his menu. "Bloody hell, what is this?! Boiled brains with maggot sauce? Fried bat and frog spleen? Please tell me this is a joke."

"Oh Ron. Of course it is. Do you honestly think Professor Dumbledore would feed us those vile things?" Hermione read her menu and stated clearly to her plate, "Mummy bandages and rat poison." Fettuccini Alfredo and a bottle of butterbeer popped into view. She smiled happily. I wonder if she'd known or just guessed.

Ron let loose a sigh of relief. Everyone placed their orders and commenced to eat.

After the students and teachers had finished their meal, Dumbledore stood once more. He waved his wand at a curtain no one had paid much attention to. "It is my great pleasure to introduce the Creeping Crawlers!"

A band appeared in a cloud of fog and immediately started to play.

Draco pulled the chair I was sitting in out and offered his hand. "May I have this dance, Miss Swain?"

"Only if you call me Elizabeth, Jack."

"You two are nutters," Ron commented.

"We're playing. It's fun pretending to be someone you're not," I fussed. "What's the point of Halloween and dressing up if you don't get into character?"

"Nutters."

Draco proved to be an excellent dancer. After two dances a guy from Ravenclaw cut in, then Blake from Hufflepuff. Poor thing, he really was a klutz. He stepped all over my toes. Afterwards I thanked him for the dance and went back to the table for a glass of pumpkin cider. Captain Jack returned to whisk me away to the dance floor again. Several girls tried to cut in but Draco refused them all.

"About time you showed up. I'd about given up on you," he growled, smirking at someone behind him.

"Mind if I cut in?" a familiar voice asked.

"She's all yours, mate."

I turned around to face Harry and noticed his costume, William Turner!

"Draco's idea. He thought it would be fun if the three of us dressed up together."

"Oh."

A slow song started and Harry led me into a waltz. "Having a good time so far?"

"Uh huh, except for the guys who keep cutting in and stepping on my toes."

"I'm sorry. I can bring you back to the table if you want."

"I didn't mean you." 'Merlin, I didn't mean you!'

He smiled. "So, Miss Swain, have I told you how enchanting you look this evening?"

"No, you haven't. And Will, how many times must I ask you to call me Elizabeth?" I asked playing along.

"At least once more, Miss Swain. As always."

"I'm impressed. How did you know that?"

"I found a book in the library. I've read it twice," he confessed.

I laughed softly. "You know you never did tell me why you don't have a date. Don't even try to tell me you couldn't find one! Any girl at this school would jump at the chance to date you."

"Any girl?"

"Well, not Gin or Herms."

"What about you?" he intensely asked.

"Umm...I have a date."

"If I'd asked first."

"But you didn't."

"I wanted to."

"Really?" I said skeptical.

"Really. I've been trying for weeks. Then I heard you tell Ginny you were going with Draco and knew I was too late."

"You heard us?"

He nodded his head. "Who were you wanting to go with?"

'Oh Merlin. How would I get myself out of this?' "How is it any of your concern?"

"You're right. I'm sorry." He muttered under his breath, "I should have known he wasn't telling me the truth."

"Who?"

"No one. Never mind."

"Who?!"

"Draco. He told me...hetoldmeyoulikedme."

"He is a dead man! Where is that blubbering pirate?"

"It's true?"

"I am so going to kill him. Maybe I should turn him into a ferret first. I'm sure Ron would enjoy that." I ignored Harry, utterly embarrassed, and scanned the room for the traitor.

"Aurora?"

"Hmmm?"

Harry gave up talking to me I guess because he grabbed me by the arms, and planted a kiss on my lips. I melted into his embrace, stunned.

"Wow," I sighed. Harry's face lit in an endearing grin.

"It's about time, Will," Draco drawled walking up. "Be a good boy and fetch the lovely some punch."

"I'm going to kill you. You do realize that?" I threatened when Harry had left.

"No you're not. If I hadn't told him you'd both still be miserable. Now if you'll excuse me there's a cute Ravenclaw who's been giving me the eye. I'm going to go ask her for a dance."

"You're abandoning your date?"

"I'm sure William won't mind."

"Not at all, Jack. Thanks." Harry handed me the glass of pumpkin cider.

Hey, I know when to shut up and accept when I've been outmaneuvered. I leaned in and gave Draco a peck on the cheek. "Thanks."

"What are friends for? Now go. Captain Jack Sparrow sees a wench in need of rescuing from her boring existence."

"He's certainly changed."

"Yes, he has," I agreed watching as Draco bowed before the pretty brunette and led her to the dance floor.

"So where were we?"

"Right about here." I stepped closer to him and laid my head on his shoulder. We swayed to the music until Neville interpreted with the news that was an apple bob near the professors' table.

Five minutes later Harry was face down in a tub of cold water fishing around for an apple. He came up sputtering, empty. Draco hugged his sides; laughing so hard he couldn't breathe. After catching his breath, he was finally able to spit out, "You look like a drowned rat, Harry."

"You can do better?"

"My grandmother could. Move over." Draco dunked his head under and searched for an apple. Just as we were starting to get worried over his lack of oxygen, he popped up proudly showing off the bright red fruit caught between his teeth. "And that is how it is done ladies and gentlemen."

Cleo, Jules, and I clapped at his success.

The group decided it was time to put the prank into motion after a few more songs had played. Ron and Harry went to the balcony once again. Neville stood guard in front of it while keeping an eye on us girls as well.

We three put our part of the plan into action.

"I can't believe you think your costume's better than mine!"

Ginny snapped to her feet. "Well, it is. Everyone knows Cleopatra was the most beautiful woman who ever lived!"

"As if! Romeo died for his Juliet," Hermione chimed in.

"Draco, whose is better?"

"Whoa, now ladies. Please don't drag me into this."

"Please, Drakey," we cooed. By now the little argument had gained an audience.

"All right, all right. But I'm not having you mad at me." He pointed to a large group of Slytherin boys standing close. "Want to help judge who has the best costume of these three beautiful ladies?"

Needless to say they jumped at the chance.

"Here's what we'll do. Cleopatra, Juliet, and Elizabeth will strut their stuff for us and then we'll decide who should win," Draco announced.

Ginny sent him a glare at the 'strut their stuff' comment. He merely raised an eyebrow.

I walked in front of the boys, twirled slowly, and blew them a kiss. Ginny walked regally to join me and wet her lips lazily, causing one boy to groan. Hermione, acting very frisky and daring, walked over to the boys, placed her hands on the table, and sent them a scorching 'come hither' glance.

The Slytherins put their heads together. One stood and declared that they couldn't decide. Hermione glanced up and saw Ron give the okay signal. Unknown to the crowd below they had cast the prank. She nodded to us.

"Humph. Should have known Slytherins wouldn't be able to make up their minds," she snorted. We turned and walked back to the table.

"Can't wait for breakfast tomorrow, mate."

"Me neither," Harry and Neville chorused, chuckling.

"Did everything go as planned?"

"Perfectly, Mione," Ron confirmed with a kiss.

"Shh. I think Professor Dumbledore's about to speak."

Silence swept across the room as the Headmaster rose and spread his hands in the air. "And now I would like to announce our winners for the costume contest. Funniest costume goes to Seamus Finnigan with his delightful Professor Snape rendition." Snape ground his teeth and gave his meanest glare to Seamus. (He had dressed as Neville's 3^rd year Riddulus boggart.) Scariest goes to Terry Boot for his portrayal of the Bloody Baron. Most imaginative: Luna Lovegood. Am I correct in saying you are a Crumple-Horned Snorkark, my dear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Simply wonderful. And last but not least, best couple's costume. There are many delightful ones but I admit to being partial to the story of Romeo and Juliet, our Head Boy and Girl, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Winners please step forward to receive your prizes."

When they had all returned to their seats, Professor Dumbledore continued. "As it is almost 10 o'clock and time for you to return to your dormitories, I have one last surprise. Depluit Cuppedia!"

A shower of candy rained from the Enchanted Ceiling. Eager hands gathered up peppermint Humbugs, lemon drops, and others that looked suspiciously like Ton Tongue Toffees and Canary Creams. Once every piece had been snatched up, the students retired to their respective common rooms.