Through the grand gates, flanked by imposing statues of winged boars, the carriages trundled up the sweeping drive, swaying precariously in an increasingly fierce gale. Leaning against the dampened window, students could see Hogwarts emerging through the thick curtain of relentless rain, its myriad lighted windows appearing as blurred, shimmering jewels against the tempestuous backdrop. A magnificent bolt of lightning sliced across the sky just as their carriage jolted to a halt before the immense oak front doors, which stood resolutely at the top of a grand flight of stone steps.
The passengers from the preceding carriages were already hurrying up the stone steps, eager to escape the downpour. The Gryffindor five leaped down from their carriage, splashing through puddles as they dashed up the steps, only daring to glance back when they found refuge inside the cavernous, torch-lit entrance hall, a space that echoed with the sounds of excitement and caution. The magnificent marble staircase spiraled majestically upwards, framed by timeworn portraits that whispered and chuckled amongst themselves.
"Blimey," Ron exclaimed, shaking his head as water sprayed in all directions. "If this keeps up, the lake's going to overflow. I'm soaked—ARGH!"
A large, red, water-filled balloon plummeted from the ceiling and landed squarely on Ron's head, exploding with a dramatic splatter. Drenched and sputtering, he staggered sideways, colliding with Harry just as a second balloon plummeted—narrowly missing Hermione, it burst at Harry's feet, sending a chilly wave of water splashing over his sneakers, soaking his socks.
Surrounding them, a chorus of shrieks erupted as students scrambled to evade the mischievous onslaught of water bombs. Amidst the chaos, Gemini Lupin-Black cackled delightfully, while Draco, her brother, wore a look of amused exasperation as he watched her cheer on the havoc unfolding.
Harry looked up to see the two dry Lupin-Black twins reveling in the mayhem caused by Peeves the Poltergeist. The little troublemaker, adorned with a bell-topped hat and an orange bow tie, wore a wide, mischievous grin as his face twisted in concentration, preparing to take aim once more. "Did ya see that, ya Bloonies? My aim is impeccable, I told you!" he cackled triumphantly, sending a water bomb crashing onto a group of unsuspecting Hufflepuffs. "You're doing such a good job, Peevesy! So proud of you, darling!" Gemini squealed, her delight evident as she jumped up and down, clapping her hands in pure jubilation.
"PEEVES!" bellowed an authoritative voice that cut through the din. "Peeves, come down here at ONCE!"
Professor McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress and head of Gryffindor House, charged out of the Great Hall, her expression an amalgamation of fury and surprise. She skidded uncontrollably on the slick floor, grabbing Hermione around the neck to prevent her fall.
"Ouch—sorry, Miss Granger—" McGonagall gasped, muffled apologies escaping her lips as Hermione massaged her sore throat.
"That's all right, Professor!" Hermione replied, still catching her breath.
"Peeves, get down here NOW!" barked Professor McGonagall, fiercely straightening her pointed hat and glaring upward through her square-rimmed spectacles.
"Only following orders!" chortled Peeves, lobbing another water bomb at a gaggle of startled fifth-year girls, who screeched and dove, laughter punctuating their shrieks. "And they're already wet, aren't they? Little squirts! Wheeeeeee!" He targeted a group of wide-eyed second years who had just arrived, a wicked delight dancing in his eyes.
"I shall call the head—Wait, whose orders?!" Professor McGonagall's voice rose sharply, her gaze narrowing on the only two dry students in her vicinity. "LUPIN-BLACKS!"
Draco took a quick step back, flailing his arms in protest. "I was only the lookout while she found him, Professor McGonagall, honest! I had no idea!"
"Snitch!" Gemini laughed, playfully thwapping the back of his head as Peeves stuck out his tongue and hurled one last water bomb into the air, the mischievous orb exploding in harmless chaos before zooming off up the marble staircase, his insane cackling echoing behind him.
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SABAISM | H. POTTER
FanfictionSABAISM (noun) : The worship of stars. For centuries, people have looked up to the stars and became instantaneously bewitched due to the pinpricks of light. Such an enigma they are, burning bright in the darkest of atmospheres. Never snuffed by the...
