Chapter 307: The Third Attack
Hagrid rarely asked them for help, so the group didn't hesitate to agree. Thankfully, the Beast Repelling Charm was a straightforward spell. Though the work was extensive, with the six of them pitching in, they managed to complete it by evening. They even received heartfelt thanks from Hagrid.
Cedric and Kyle were gifted a handful of large Fwooper feathers, perfect for quills. Kanna and Cho each received a small pouch for hair accessories or coins; though a bit rough in craftsmanship, the Unicorn hair woven into them made up for it. Fred and George were the only ones to leave empty-handed. Kneazles weren't easy to find, and Hagrid assured them that if they returned after Christmas, they would be able to meet a pair. Whether the Kneazles trusted them enough to come home would depend on the twins' own charm and skill, as these clever creatures had a knack for escaping when they didn't take to someone.
"I wish Christmas were tomorrow," Fred said wistfully as they walked back to the castle.
"What if the Kneazles don't like us?" George said, casting a nervous glance at Cho and Kanna. "Maybe we should have asked for a little pouch, too. Ginny would've loved it."
"Why didn't you mention that earlier?" Fred retorted, raising an eyebrow.
"It just crossed my mind..."
Laughing and chatting, the group continued back to the castle. With some time left before dinner, they decided to visit the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. Since Kyle had told them about this magical room, it had become their favorite spot to relax.
But as they reached the third floor, a piercing voice echoed from a nearby corridor.
"Do it, do it, do it! It's happening again! No one is safe, human or ghost! Run for your lives!"
The shrill voice cut through the air, stopping them in their tracks. Exchanging looks, they immediately ran toward the commotion. In a shadowed corridor, they saw Peeves, cackling and shouting, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Beside him were two ghosts in a strange, grim state.
Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron floated horizontally, only inches above the ground. They looked blackened and smoky, as if covered in soot. Nearly Headless Nick's head hung at an odd angle, his expression frozen in horror.