"Why is everyone always picking on us?" Tobias huffed as they maneuvered down the moving stairs. He had his arm firmly around Luro to stop her from falling, because she hadn't quite gotten accustomed to the stairs' movement yet, and was still quite clumsy. They were headed for a class that they had separately from Gloria, so she wasn't with them.

"You're not the only one who gets treated badly," Greg assured him. Tobias and Luro turned their heads to the small boy walking steadily behind them, obviously headed in the same direction. He continued, "I've seen other people get picked on, you know. The world doesn't revolve around you guys."

"You having a good day, Greg?" Luro asked him, stumbling as the staircase reached its destination. The three hopped off and continued speed-walking to class, their robes blowing slightly.

"Fine, thanks," Gregory snapped, "I'm just saying, not everybody is nice to everybody." He sped past them towards his own classroom.

"Something's up," Tobias noted, "he doesn't seem too cheery today."

"Yeah," Luro nodded. She was about to say more, but was stopped when they absent-mindedly bumped into another student their age; a Ravenclaw.

"Watch it!" She shrieked, turning around. She then recognized one of them and frowned. "Ugh, it's you again. Of course a half-witch wouldn't recognize a true one when she saw her. Well, bask in my glory, mudblood. You're going to have to watch your muggle-ish step around here." She trotted towards a Slytherin boy who looked very similar to her, and Luro realized she had met the twins before.

"That was rude!" Tobias commented, "she should learn some manners!"

"I think I know her," Luro told him, "her and her brother were the ones talking about my mother earlier this year."

"Ugh," Tobias shook his head, "Let's just get to class, alright? Ignore them; they don't know who they're talking about."

"Yeah," Luro nodded, and they came upon the door to their class. Tobias held it open for her, and they found their seats.

They soon noticed that Greg was right; a student was sent out for bullying another. Neither had any connection to them.

"What is it with today?" Luro asked after the class was over, "I feel like there's a huge negative vibe lingering around Hogwarts."

Tobias swished his hand at the air in front of him, commanding, "Go away, negative vibes!" This made Luro laugh.

"So are you excited for the Halloween feast tomorrow?" Tobias asked.

"Oh yes," Luro smiled, "I've heard there'll be lovely food prepared for us."

"I hear some kids are going to sneak into the Forbidden Forest," came a voice from behind them. The two turned around to see Gloria with a huge grin on her face.

"Oh dear," Luro frowned.

Gloria walked closer to them, stretching out her fingers and speaking in a spooky voice, "There are stories of werewolves and giant spiders lurking there," she stood up straight and clapped her hands once, "It sounds like fun!"

"Are you sure you're not a Gryffindor?" Tobias asked, "Because I am not brave enough, nor foolish enough, to sneak off there on Halloween night!"

"Sneak off where?" an older boy came up behind Gloria, grabbing her shoulders and making her jump. She turned around in a scare, then recognized the sixth-year.

"Richard!" she huffed, punching the boy in the stomach.

"Ow!" Richard groaned. He clutched his stomach, chuckling, "Really, Glor? You have to be so feisty! Is that any way to greet your big brother?"

"Absolutely!" Gloria crossed her arms, looking back at her friends. Her brother laughed and let go of himself, standing up. He was a tall boy, looking a little less Spanish than his sister. He had darker skin than her, with chocolatey eyes and coal-black, tall hair, the front of which was dyed blonde. He was also a Hufflepuff.

"Hey there," he was speaking to Luro and Tobias now, "I'm Gloria's brother, Richard. But you can call me Chard; it sounds cooler."

"Does not," Gloria rolled her eyes.

"I hope my sister hasn't given you too much trouble," he continued, ignoring her, "And what are your names?" He gave a toothy grin.

"I'm Luro," she motioned to herself.

"My name's Tobias."

"Nice," Chard replied, "Well don't let Gloria influence you into breaking school rules. I'm going to be head boy one day, mind you, and I won't have misbehavior on my watch."

A loud, deep clatter arose from nearby, and the four of them turned around.

Gloria shrieked.