Neville Longbottom and The Boy Who Lived

Chapter 4: The Feast

Albus Dumbledore rose from his seat at the staff table, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the Great Hall. "Welcome!" Dumbledore's voice boomed, echoing off the stone walls of the ancient castle. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!' Neville found himself caught between confusion and amusement at Dumbledore's peculiar speech, unsure of what to make of the headmaster's cryptic words. However, as the applause died down and Dumbledore settled back into his seat, Neville couldn't help but smile at the sheer eccentricity and charm of the headmaster.

Neville sat at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, his eyes widening in amazement as he beheld the sight before him. The golden plates in front of him were now laden with a sumptuous feast, a mouth-watering spread of dishes that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Neville's stomach rumbled in anticipation as he took in the array of delectable foods spread out before him. The tantalizing aroma of roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, and an assortment of other savoury meats filled the air, mingling with the comforting scents of potatoes, vegetables, and rich gravies. The sight of the food made Neville's mouth water, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the generous spread laid out before him. As Neville took his first bite, a smile spread across his face. The food was exquisite, each dish bursting with flavour and warmth. The roast beef was tender and succulent, the roast chicken perfectly seasoned, and the pork chops and lamb chops cooked to perfection. The sides of potatoes, peas, carrots, and Yorkshire pudding complemented the main dishes beautifully, creating a symphony of flavours that danced on Neville's tongue.

His attention momentarily drawn away from his plate of delicious food by a ghostly figure. The ghost, dressed in a ruff and looking rather forlorn, gazed longingly at Harry as he cut into his steak. "That does look good," the ghost remarked wistfully, his voice carrying a hint of longing. Harry, polite and curious, engaged the ghost in conversation. "Can't you—?" he began, prompting the ghost to introduce himself. "I haven't eaten for nearly five hundred years," the ghost revealed, a touch of melancholy in his tone. "I don't need to, of course, but one does miss it. I don't think I've introduced myself? Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower."

Neville's eyes widened in recognition as he listened to the ghost's introduction. Nearly Headless Nick, the famous Gryffindor ghost! The name was familiar to Neville, who had heard stories about the ghostly inhabitant of Gryffindor Tower from his grandmother. "I know who you are!" Ron exclaimed suddenly, his face lighting up with recognition. "My brothers told me about you—you're Nearly Headless Nick!"  "I would prefer you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy–" the ghost began, his tone hinting at a desire for proper respect, but he was swiftly interrupted by the inquisitive Seamus Finnigan.

"Nearly Headless? How can you be nearly headless?" Seamus blurted out, his curiosity getting the better of him as he leaned in, his sandy hair tousled in excitement. Sir Nicholas, looking rather miffed at the interruption and the casual reference to his unique condition, decided to make a point. "Like this," Sir Nicholas retorted, seizing his left ear and giving it a sharp tug. Neville's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed the ghastly sight that followed. In a gruesome display, Sir Nicholas's entire head swung off his neck, hanging precariously on his shoulder as if on a hinge. The scene was enough to make Neville's stomach churn. It was clear to Neville that someone had indeed attempted to behead the ghostly knight, but their execution had been far from flawless, leaving him in a rather unsettling state of near-decapitation.

As the ghostly knight nonchalantly flipped his head back onto his neck, a sense of wonder and curiosity filled the air. Nearly Headless Nick seemed to revel in the reactions of the students, a mischievous twinkle in his transparent eyes as he addressed the new Gryffindors. "So – new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the House Championship this year? Gryffindor have never gone so long without winning. Slytherin have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable – he's the Slytherin house ghost." Nearly Headless Nick declared. Neville diverted his attention to the Slytherin table A ghastly figure sat among the Slytherins, his presence exuding an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down Neville's spine. The ghost, identified as the Bloody Baron, bore a gaunt face, blank staring eyes, and robes stained with what appeared to be silver blood. Neville couldn't help but feel a wave of unease wash over him at the sight of the intimidating Slytherin ghost. "How did he get covered in blood?" Seamus inquired, his eyes alight with curiosity. Nearly Headless Nick, ever the diplomatic ghost, responded delicately to the inquiry. "I've never asked," he admitted, choosing to leave the mystery of the Bloody Baron's gruesome appearance unanswered.