At the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, Ginny waited in front of the Fat Lady's portrait, patiently watching for someone to come in or out. After about 15 minutes, the portrait finally swung open, and Dean Thomas emerged.
"I need to see my brother," Ginny said in a serious, perhaps even intimidating tone, before stepping inside without waiting for a reply.
Dean was left stunned and confused, but everything had happened too quickly for him to react. Inside the common room, a few Gryffindors raised their eyebrows as they noticed a green-clad figure crossing into their territory. However, their curiosity faded when they spotted Ginny's unmistakable red hair. The Weasleys, after all, were practically an institution within Gryffindor: Bill, Charlie, the twins... all had been prominent figures. So, while unusual, Ginny's presence didn't cause much of a stir once it became clear she was looking for her brothers.
After asking around, she discovered where her target was. She asked one of the students to call him while she waited in the common room. As she waited, she noticed a group of older students surrounded by younger ones, shouting something about prices for garments—an apparent trade in costumes.
It wasn't long before Ron came down, followed closely by Harry. Both of them looked busy and somewhat agitated. Ron, in particular, was in a bad mood; he was desperate to find a costume for an upcoming party. He didn't think his brother would let him in without one, even as family, but he didn't have the money to pay for a transfiguration by the older students. His pride kept him from asking Percy or the twins for help, even though they were his last resort. Of course, if he turned to Fred and George, he knew there would be a price to pay—one he would likely regret later.
"What do you want, Ginny?" Ron asked irritably. "You shouldn't be in other houses' common rooms."
"Hi, Harry," Ginny said, ignoring her brother and focusing on her real target. "Do you have a moment to talk?"
"Uh... yeah, I guess," Harry replied, puzzled by the unexpected interaction.
"Ginny, we're busy..." Ron tried to interject, annoyed at the distraction. He needed Harry's help to solve his costume dilemma.
Ginny, visibly fed up, reached into her pocket, pulled out a handful of copper and silver coins, and shoved them into Ron's hands.
"Here. Now, can you leave us alone? I need to talk to Harry."
Ron stared at the coins in his hand, surprised. Ginny knew he had been eyeing the older students' costume dealings enviously, and this was her way of getting rid of him. After a brief moment of hesitation, Ron broke into a wide grin.
"Thanks, Ginny. Harry, she's all yours. I've got a costume to buy!" With that grin plastered across his face, he darted off toward the commotion. Perhaps his joy would vanish if he realized the money Ginny had given him was just spare change for her—thanks to Red, she was practically living like a little rich girl.
"Harry, is there anyone else in your dormitory?" Ginny asked quietly.
"No... everyone's down here," Harry replied, gesturing to the group of students gathered in the corner, now including Ron.
"Good. Let's go," Ginny said firmly, grabbing Harry's hand and leading him toward the dormitories. She had no idea where they were, but she just wanted to get away from the crowd.
Some students saw the scene and let out teasing whistles as the two ascended. In the past, Ginny's brothers had jokingly mentioned that she was obsessed with Harry, so it was easy to imagine what others might think of the scene. However, the onlookers couldn't have been more wrong about the "luck" of the Boy Who Lived.
Ginny, guided by Harry—though in truth, she was the one dragging him with determination—reached the boys' dormitory. Once inside, she shut the door firmly behind them, ensuring they were completely alone. The dormitory had several details that might catch someone's eye, but Ginny wasn't there to analyze a space inhabited by teenage boys. She had more urgent matters on her mind.
"I've heard you have an invisibility cloak, a very good one," Ginny began, her expression serious and even more intimidating than before.
Harry blinked, increasingly bewildered. Being dragged up here, Ginny's tone, her attitude—it was all unusual. But he trusted the Weasleys, so he decided to cooperate.
"Yes," he answered slowly.
"I need to borrow it until tomorrow," Ginny said, her voice unwavering.
"What?" Harry asked, now utterly confused.
"I need you to lend it to me. If you need money or something, I'll pay you, but I need it today. It's urgent." Her tone was cold, monotone, and her expression left no room for negotiation.
"Uh... sure," Harry replied, hesitating. He wasn't thrilled about lending the cloak, especially since it was a relic from his father. But Ginny's gaze was... different. Something told him that "no" wasn't an option. Besides, she was a Weasley—if there was anyone he could trust, it was them. He had already trusted Red last year, so why not now?
Harry dug into his trunk, rummaging through his belongings until he found the cloak. Though somewhat reluctant, he handed it to Ginny, who took it firmly. She examined the fabric's texture, then tested it, covering her arm to see the effect. Finally, she wrapped it completely around herself, watching as she disappeared before her own eyes. Nodding in satisfaction, she removed the cloak, carefully folded it, and tucked it into her bag, hiding it with precision.
"Good. Thanks," Ginny said seriously, her eyes cold as death locking onto Harry with an intensity that put him on edge. "But I have to warn you about something."
"Warn me?" Harry asked, still confused.
"No one—and I mean no one—should know you lent this to me. Especially not my brothers." Her tone was cold and sharp, and her gaze carried a chilling glint that cut through Harry like a knife.
"Uh... okay?" Harry replied, uneasy.
"I MEAN IT!" Ginny suddenly exclaimed, pulling her wand with astonishing speed. Before Harry could react, the wand's tip was pressed against his throat, forcing him to tilt his chin up. "No one will know! And if anyone finds out, you'll have more to worry about than a scar on your forehead, understand?" Her voice was grave and threatening, her tone leaving no room for argument, and her eyes displayed a terrifying indifference to life.
"Y-yes! Understood!" Harry exclaimed, frightened as he rarely had been in his life. Fear gripped him completely, convinced that Ginny was about to do something horrible to him.
Without another word, Ginny stowed her wand, turned on her heel, and quickly left the dormitory. Her pace was swift but discreet, leaving behind a shaken Harry who collapsed onto his bed, clutching his neck with one hand as cold sweat dripped from his forehead. He had no idea how to react or what to do about what had just happened.
...
Though more complicated than I had planned and on a much larger scale, the party was turning out to be a success.
For the first time, the lair had admitted male students besides me, and on a large scale. To make this happen, I made sure to carefully seal off the areas I didn't want anyone entering, leaving only the main hall open. This hall, by the way, was beautifully decorated, ready to welcome all the guests.
The best thing about inviting all of Hogwarts to the party was, without a doubt, the costumes. There wasn't much time to prepare, so most people improvised, which resulted in a surprisingly wide variety. I must admit, however, that this event turned into a little goldmine for some of the older students, who cleverly began charging a few coins for last-minute costume transfigurations.
I stationed myself at the door to greet the guests, and there was no shortage of laughs and surprises. The girls generally had no trouble: they simply entered, picked something from the wardrobe I had prepared especially for tonight, and that was it. I'd spent a bit of money on the merchant to stock it with beautiful costumes, and I must say it was worth every coin. The outfits were stunning, and when worn by equally stunning girls, the result was even better. For a moment, I wondered if it had been a good idea to open the party to everyone and not monopolize all these charming ladies for myself.
Then there were the boys. Their costumes, for the most part, ended up being more amusing than impressive. Some managed decent results, but many others... well, they were sadly creative. Those with magical skills pulled off some pretty interesting things in little time; however, the rest made do with whatever they could. Among the most memorable was a mummy that looked more like a burn victim, an "Inferi" that resembled a homeless man, and a boy who simply put something on his forehead, dressed in white, and claimed to be a unicorn.
Then the professors arrived, whom I greeted with the utmost courtesy. Many of them wore rather elaborate costumes, and I didn't hold back on compliments for their outfits. They, in turn, greeted me kindly and congratulated me on the organization of the party. I can't deny that those words of thanks, coming from them, made me feel quite proud.
Sprout was quite creative, dressing as a dryad. Vines with flowers and other plants sprouted from her clothes, wrapping around her. If she had a better figure, perhaps I'd have had trouble tearing my gaze away from her outfit. I wonder if I should help her regain her former glory...
Aurora Sinistra, the Astronomy professor, wore a dress that seemed to be made of a starry night sky. It was elegant and beautiful, and I suspect it was more of a formal gown repurposed for the occasion. But honestly, it looked spectacular on her.
Charity Burbage, the Muggle Studies professor, donned a vintage Muggle outfit from a few decades ago. It was a fun and thematic touch, though simple.
Hagrid, as always, stole some laughs with his Santa Claus costume, an outfit he said he stumbled upon years ago. His beard was dyed white, and he wore a green hat and holiday-themed clothes, which were also ideal for the chilly night. He complemented his costume with a sack over his shoulder. Unfortunately for us, those who knew better quickly realized that the sack wasn't part of the costume but rather his way of bringing dreaded rock cakes as a contribution to the party's food.
Flitwick opted for something simple: a satyr costume. He wore small horns on his head, a tail sticking out of his pants, and enchanted his feet to sound like hooves when he walked. Clever and effective.
Lockhart, true to his extravagant style, showed up dressed as a male fairy. His outfit was colorful, glittering, and over-the-top, just like him. He took the opportunity to mention his many invitations to other parties, but I decided to ignore his comment and move on.
McGonagall... well, I admit I sent her a Catwoman suit, perhaps too daring. I wanted to see her in tight leather, stiletto heels, and feline makeup. However, she only wore the ears and tail, leaving the rest of the costume aside. She gave me a stern look before entering, and although it was a real pity, I still believe that with a little effort, she could dazzle with her elegance despite her age.
Snape, predictably, entered wearing his usual attire and an expression that made it clear he was there against his will. He didn't even try to hide it.
Other staff members also contributed to the festive atmosphere: Septima Vector dressed as a banshee; Kettleburn, as a chimera; and Filch wore a biting disc with fangs as a hat, while Mrs. Norris sported a scarf painted with jingle bells to complement. Each added their unique touch, some more successfully than others.
I continued welcoming guests until the last person I had been expecting arrived personally: the Headmaster. After this, I would have to focus on keeping the party in order and ensuring the spectacle unfolded as planned.
"Good evening, Mr. Weasley," the smiling Headmaster said, leaning on a staff. "Thank you for the Merlin costume; it fits quite well and saved me the trouble of finding one." As he spoke, he proudly displayed his gray tunic and hat, which I had sent for this occasion.
I had to stifle a laugh and limit myself to nodding politely, doing my best to appear as courteous as possible. That wasn't a Merlin costume, though his confusion was understandable. The truth was, he was wearing a Gandalf costume, one that only an elder with a majestic beard like Dumbledore's could pull off perfectly.
After letting him in, I stepped away from the door and prepared to officially kick off the party. Now the real fun began.
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