Halloween arrived faster than anyone had expected.  The incident on the grounds was pretty much forgotten, even with Theo sporting a dark purple eye for over a week  after. By the time the middle of October emerged the entire school was ready for the first Quidditch game of the year. Thankfully the tension between Theo and Brennan wouldn't be pushed any further beyond its limits: Hufflepuff against Ravenclaw was a thankful event. Of course the entire team was insistent on crowning themselves Champions, pushed even further ahead with one chaser's violent and grim determination to beat one Gryfindor beater if it killed him. 

The match itself started particularly well; clear skies and only hateful glares. The game continued slowly to begin with. One goal to Ravenclaw; two to Hufflepuff; another one to Ravenclaw. A scuffle broke out shortly after the wind picked up, chilled Autumn air speeding across the highlands bringing the hideous and unwelcome promise of rain. A small Hufflepuff clutched the Quaffle close to her chest, mouse brown hair flowing behind obviously troubled by the wind, glancing backwards as Ravenclaw closed it. It happened to quick to say exactly who caused the girl to fall fifty feet to the ground, unconscious and limp. George felt inclined not to blame his brother, but instead the buck tooth chaser beside him. One, two, three... Ravenclaw pulled themselves into a 40 point lead before either of the two seekers caught into the Snitch. The crowd cheered along, pulling up hoods as the rain closed in, darkening the sky within minutes. 

The prospect of a "nice, clean game" was all but memory now. Theo pushed forwards, eyes fixed on the two Hufflepuff chasers, juggling the ball between them. The two others joined him, speeding along behind preparing for impact. Theo dropped down, disappearing from their sight whilst the two other chasers closed in on either side, pushing them together, cornering them. Theo pushed upwards, almost knocking one off their broom. Rhonda, a tall and gangly Hufflepuff pulled the Quaffle close to his chest and pulled round, making a break for the goal posts. At least until he took a bludger to the chest, winding him enough to drop the ball. A short mad dash for the Quaffle and Ravenclaw had the lead again. Another two goals passed by, with borderline foul play occurring almost every time Hufflepuff had possession. Ten further points to Hufflepuff and the snitch was caught. Whistling and cheering erupted from stands covered in Blue and Silver, not a single member caring about the growing downpour. Ravenclaw house seemed to be on high for the rest of the month after that, every ego inflated beyond repair, despite the fact one Hufflepuff had two broken ribs and the mousy-chaser was still unconscious; Quidditch wasn't a soft sport. 

School passed less quickly even though they were finally learning magic! It may have only been beginner's spells but a spell was a spell and that's what mattered. The homework made things worse, essays for this and reading for that. Thankfully the excitement still hadn't truly worn off. Outside, the weather had dropped considerably. Blustering winds and crunching leaves under every foot really set the scene for their first Halloween. George joined his friends in the Common Room before heading back down to dinner, robes abandoned and comfier casual clothes ready for the a Friday night feast. They spoke about lessons and other students, teachers and ghosts, spells and mischief. The sight of the Great Hall covered in floating pumpkins and full with every child's Halloween dream. Candy apples, cakes, sweets galore! Stuffed food in the shapes of monsters. Skulls filled with soup and towering stacks of assorted meals, all balanced with talent. 

George made headway for a space towards the top of the table, helping himself to a bowl of soup and a crusty roll. He stayed silent for the most part, listening to Seine retell the events of a Quidditch match his old man had previously explained in a letter. Deep down, he was jealous. There was no denying it. Having a functional family must be something amazing. Sure, there were student's whose parents were no longer together, but having a parent in prison was a step beyond that. He poured the three of them a glass of pumpkin juice and settled down into his seat, enjoying the sights that Halloween brought.