Will took the seat at the head of the long table, with Sylvia right beside him.
The members of the High Tower took their seats one by one.
Harry sat near Will, with Hermione and Ron beside him. George and Fred squeezed in at the far end of the table, tossing napkins folded into airplanes over their heads.
Ginny sat nearby, listening to something Michael was telling her.
Neville sat close to Hannah. Everyone had grown used to seeing them together, and Neville was no longer as shy as he had been at first.
Luna, meanwhile, was studying a small pumpkin with intense concentration.
Cedric sat beside Cho Chang, his gaze drifting now and then to the moon outside the window, not quite full yet.
As for Draco, he was chatting with Astoria, and the mood between them seemed pleasant enough.
Terry Brown said a few things to Justin, but Justin didn't seem to take in a word.
Justin, Ron, and Seamus already looked hungry. They were staring at the table full of food.
Will found it amusing. These three weren't usually so concerned with appearances. He laughed. "What are you waiting for? Dig in. We can't go hungry on Halloween."
Ron immediately tore off a chicken leg. At that, everyone relaxed and began eating, chatting and laughing as they went.
Will took a plate of lamb chops and chatted with Sylvia.
It had been a long time since the two of them had enjoyed a moment like this. Will had even canceled his tutoring sessions to work on Werewolf Reversal, and had only found time to relax in the past few days.
"My family asked me to find out whether you're coming home for Christmas," Sylvia said, cutting herself only a tiny piece of pan-fried beef.
"Christmas..." Will thought