bearded head was under his arm, blowing the horn, leapt down, lifted his head high in the air so he could see over the crowd (everyone laughed) and strode over to Nearly Headless Nick, squashing his head back onto his neck.

'Nick!' he roared. 'How are you? Head still hanging in there?'

He gave a hearty guffaw and clapped Nearly Headless Nick on the shoulder.

'Welcome, Patrick,' said Nick stiffly.

'Live 'uns!' said Sir Patrick, spotting Harry, Ron and Hermione and giving a huge, fake jump of astonishment, so that his head fell off again (the crowd howled with laughter).

'Very amusing,' said Nearly Headless Nick darkly.

'Don't mind Nick!' shouted Sir Patrick's head from the floor. 'Still upset we won't let him join the Hunt! But I mean to say – look at the fellow –'

'I think,' said Harry hurriedly, at a meaningful look from Nick, 'Nick's very – frightening and – er –'

'Ha!' yelled Sir Patrick's head. 'Bet he asked you to say that!'

'I think he is!' shouted Amelia. Harry turned to see her. Amelia was standing by the doorway Myrtle floating by her talking to the Hufflepuff ghost. No one paid them any mind.

 'If I could have everyone's attention, it's time for my speech!' said Nearly Headless Nick loudly, striding towards the podium and climbing into an icy-blue spotlight.

'My late lamented lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my great sorrow ...'

But nobody heard much more. Sir Patrick and the rest of the Headless Hunt had just started a game of Head Hockey and the crowd were turning to watch. Nearly Headless Nick tried vainly to recapture his audience, but gave up as Sir Patrick's head went sail- ing past him to loud cheers.

Harry was very cold by now, not to mention hungry.

'I can't stand much more of this,' Ron muttered, his teeth chattering, as the orchestra ground back into action and the ghosts swept back onto the dance floor.

'Let's go,' Harry agreed.

They backed towards the door, nodding and beaming at anyone who looked at them, and a minute later were hurrying back up the passageway full of black candles.

'Pudding might not be finished yet,' said Ron hopefully, leading the way towards the steps to the Entrance Hall.

'I had stolen a few of the Slytherin brooms so we could fly back faster. I can just get them tomorrow. They won't need them for a few days becouse of the bad weather.' mumbled Amelia.

And then Harry heard it. '... rip ... tear ... kill ...'