The Barry Johnson Walter Series Book One: The Beginning

Chapter 12: Halloween Surprise

Chapter 12: Halloween Surprise

It wasn't long before it became Halloween time. That meant it would be the first visit to Zarcurnville, for anyone in their third year or higher, of the school year. That meant that Sam and Tim would be going with most of the other students. Usually the Zarcurnville visits were on the weekend, which it was today.

Barry and his group of friends were inside the Ardesco common room by the fireplace, which was their normal place. Ginny, Adriana and Corey were finishing up their Astronomy essay. Barry, Alec and Alice had already finished it the night before so they were getting warm by the fire and talking. It was windy outside and cold outside.

“So your parents didn’t say what the surprise was?” Alec asked Barry.

“No they said I would see it later on tonight,” Barry said as he remembered the letter he got from his parents this morning.

“I wonder what it could be,” Alice said.

“Yeah me to,” Alec said.

“That's something to look forward to tonight,” Barry said. “But I wonder it I'll get it before or after the Halloween feast?” he looked around at his friends. Ginny was smiling to herself as she finished her Astronomy essay.

“What are you smiling about?” Adriana asked curiously as she finished her essay and put it away.

“Oh nothing,” Ginny answered.

~*~

Hours later when it was coming close to the time for the Halloween feast Barry, Alec, Ginny, Adriana, Alice and Corey al headed down to the Great Hall. It was partially filled, some students and professors were just getting back from Zarcurnville.

Barry and his friends all sat down at the Ardesco House table and waited for the rest of the school to arrive. It wasn’t long before the Great Hall was filled everyone in the school and chatter. Barry and Alec were in a conversation when Brakenbury stood up from the middle of the staff table. Slowly the conversations and chatter died away.

“Thank you all,” he said. “I just have a few words I would like to say before the feast begins. Please give me a hand in welcoming our guest that we have here this evening with us.” he said as the Great Hall doors opened.

“Who do you think it is?” Alec asked as everyone turned to see who it was. Gasps went throughout the Great Hall, even Barry gasped. Standing there was the Minister of Magic, Oswald Parsons. He was a portly little man, with rumpled grey hair.

More gasps, and even murmurs rang throughout the Great Hall as Parsons walked in and two people followed behind him. It was Barry's mum and dad.

Everyone stood up as they were walking up to the staff table. Barry's parents passed him and each gave him a hug and kiss. Then they took their seats at the staff table and the Great Hall broke into applause. The applause died away and everyone sat except for Brakenbury.

“The Minister of Magic himself has graced us with his presence as well as Lilly and Jack Johnson,” he said. They will be staying here over night to see how everything in the castle is going. While they are here they are to be treated very respectfully. Now the feast may begin.” he said as he gestured around the Great Hall and food started appearing on the tables.

After the feast had finished everyone was dismissed and headed back to their common rooms. Barry's parents found him and hugged him again.

“Surprise!” his Mum exclaimed.

“What are you guys doing here?” Barry asked as he hugged his parents.

His parents looked at each other before his dad answered. “We have some business to attend to,” he said as Brakenbury came walking up with Moors.

“Hello Barry, what a pleasure to see you,” Brakenbury said. “Now may I borrow your parents for a short period of time?”

“Of course Professor,” Barry said.

“Excellent,” Brakenbury said. “Show we talk in my office?” he asked as he gestured for Lilly and Jack to go first.

Barry heard his mum say, “Of course,” as they walked away. Barry watched as his parents walked out of the Great Hall and disappeared.