PETRIFIED (IT 2017/ Harry Potter Crossover)

Chapter 13

Ruby's POV

Today was another Hogsmeade day. I was going to stay with Harry again, but he insisted I go out and see Hogsmeade at least once. So, that is what I am doing. The weather was pretty cold and snow was all over the place. I didn't mind, I actually prefer this weather over the heat. I hate sweating.

After Hermione and Ron showed me all the things that they have done at Hogsmeade, Hermione mentions that she wants to see the Shrieking Shack. The Shrieking Shack is supposedly the most haunted building in Britain.

"You want to go see an old house that is haunted? Hogwarts is haunted. We already know ghost exist. What's so special about this shack?" I say aswe walk through the snow towards where the Shrieking Shack stands.

"I read something that told me it was the most haunted building in Britain. I'm just curious and want to see it." She says as she grabs my arm and pulls me over to keep up.

I shake my head and we arrive. At this elevation, the mist hangs in thick, undulating veils. The Shrieking Shack in an eerie silhouette in the gloom. Ron and Hermione stand stiffly, attempting to conceal the fact that they are basically scared stiff.

I roll my eyes at them. "If you think this is scary, you should this creepy a** house on Neibolt street in Derry. Now that's a real haunted house. Scary sh*t went down in that house." I joke in an attempt to get them to relax a bit.

I must say, I'm proud of myself. I can now joke and mention some events of the summer of 89' without having a full blown mental break down. But I guess it's more to do with my friends knowing about it and me using humor as a coping mechanism. It helps a little bit.

Hermione and Ron smile at my attempt. "I think we'll pass. Thanks." Ron says.

We turn to stare at the house a little longer. Me growing bored and sitting in the snow while drawing doodles in it with a stick I found. It's cold and wet, but I don't care at the moment.

"It's meant to be the most haunted building in Britain. Did I mention that?" Hermione asks us. Ron and I nod.

"Twice." We both say. I turn to look at him weird and he does the same to me. I just shrug and go back to doodling.

"Should we move a bit closer?" Hermione asks.

"Huh? Oh... All right..." Ron says.

I already knew what would happen so I stay seated in the snow. They take a step. One step. Then stop.

"Actually, it's fine from here." Ron says.

"Perfect." Hermione agrees with a nod. I snort and lay back in the snow to make a snow angel.

Suddenly, voices echo and three figures appear I've the rise, phantoms in the mist. I sit up and look to see who and roll my eyes with a groan. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Great.

"Well, we'll. Look who's here. You three shopping for your dream home? Seems a bit grand for you, Weasel-Bee. Don't your family all sleep in one room?" Draco taunts us as I stand up from the snowy ground. I glare at him in annoyance.

"Shut your mouth, Malfoy." Ron spits.

Malfoy clicks his tongue, "Now that's not very friendly. Boys, I think we're going to have to teach Weasel-Bee to respect his superiors." Draco says. I scoff and give a harsh chuckle along with Hermione.

"Hope you don't mean yourself." Hermione says. I look at her impressed and hold my hand up for a high five. She rolls her eyes, but returns the high five anyway.

Malfoy glares and regards Hermione with disgust. "How dare you speak to me, you filthy little mud-" just as I go to punch him in the face, a snowball smacks him in the face. We all look around in confusion.