Harold arrived back at the order with no further incident. He stabled Buttercup and walked inside. He was feeling pretty good about himself. While it wasn't a difficult first assignment, he had conquered it. The feeling gave him confidence that he could take on any supernatural mystery that lay before him. He knocked on brother Dominic's door. He heard brother Dominic call him in. Harold opened the door, walked into the office, and slowly closed the door behind him. Brother Dominic sat at a huge oak desk that was piled high with books and a random assortment of trinkets. 

"One moment Harold." Brother Dominic said as he stood up slowly, face still buried in a book. Harold unstrapped his cross and set it against the wall. It made a soft "THUNK" that drew brother Dominic's attention away from the book finally. As he set the book down he shook his head at Harold. "I understand you need to store your equipment, but that infernal thing makes you stand out to every supernatural being within eyesight." Harold shrugged. "I'm sorry that I carry my faith with me wherever I go." Harold shot back. Brother Dominic smiled as he shook his head. "Always have an answer for everything. So, how did the haunting go?" Brother Dominic asked walking to the front of his desk and leaning against it for support.

Harold began to beam proudly. "I took care of that specter, no problem." Brother Dominic raised an eyebrow questioningly. While Harold was a great student, brother Dominic didn't believe for one second that Harold had handled the situation completely. "Okay, maybe there was a slight hitch or two." Harold said, putting up his hands. He could still smell the cut of chicken that had hit him in the face. "But, I brought it back." He said excitedly as he opened the cross trunk. "Brought what back?" Brother Dominic said, slowly backing up.

Harold produced the piece of ham to brother Dominic. "It's the specter." Harold grinned, holding the ham towards brother Dominic. Brother Dominic peered at the piece of ham and poked it slightly. The ham twisted to and fro on its own. "Why is it in a ham Harold?" Brother Dominic said, highly confused. Harold shrugged slightly as he set the ham down on the desk. Brother Dominic smiled despite himself. "I guess that's one way to handle it. I'll put it down in the basement for further studies." Brother Dominic leaned back on the desk once again and poked the piece of ham away from himself.

Brother Dominic cleared his throat as his smiled faded away. "I have a very special assignment for you Harold. There is a ball in town tonight. It is held every year and there always seems to be some supernatural activities afoot. I need you to go down there, attend the ball, and just observe the happenings." Brother Dominic pointed a finger right at Harold. "Just observe Harold. Do not try and interfere. Normally, I would not send one as inexperienced as you, but, honestly, you're the only one here." Harold gave brother Dominic a small thumbs up. "I won't let you down." Harold said enthusiastically as he grabbed his cross and opened the door. "Harold?" Brother Dominic called before Harold could leave. Harold turned around, halfway out the door. "Since you are only observing, you can't take that, thing with you." Brother Dominic said, waving his hand towards the large cross on Harold's back. Harold nodded silently as he closed the door behind him.

Back in his room, Harold tried to figure out what he could take with him. Just in case things got out of hand. He grabbed his small silver spoon and the vial of salt. He kept looking through his cross. He had a small two shot pistol that he could hide easily. He loaded it with two silver bullets. He kept his goggles outfitted with the ectoplasm lenses. The only other thing he could think of to bring was a small cross shaped stake. He had developed a small propulsion device that attached to his forearm. It was capable of holding small objects and, with a push of a button that was on his wrist, could send the object flying into his hand. He attached the stake to this device. To top it all off, he sprinkled himself with holy water. With that, he was off.

Outside, pinned onto his door was the address of the ball and a small black harlequin mask. In big letters on the back of the mask was written: "Observe only!" Harold smiled. Still feeling good he knew that he could handle whatever was to come at this party. Plus, he thought as he walked to the stables, what supernatural being would show up with a group of people around? He reached the stables and untied Buttercup. "Back at it again girl." He said, patting her on the flank. They took off at the full run towards the city. The ball would be starting soon and he should arrive just in time.

They reached the city and slowed into a trot. Soon he arrived at a very large elegant building. It seemed so out of place among the squalid buildings that existed on the very edge of the city. As he approached a boy ran up to him and grabbed Buttercup's reigns. "Stable your horse?" He said grinning and holding out his hands. Harold patted his sides. "I'm afraid I have nothing to give you kind little sir." Harold said sadly. "Then bugger off then!" The boy spat back, letting go of Buttercup. Harold dismounted and stabled her himself. He walked back to the entrance of the building and put his mask on. The words "Observe only" flashing briefly. Harold walked in the door and marveled at the size and grandeur of the building. He looked over the sea of people. All of them dressed so well, and he was dressed, like himself. He was going to stick out. A wave of nervousness swept over him as he walked further into the building.