Chapter Ten - Happy Haunting

Halloween had arrived — the Baldwin children's favourite holiday of all.

Harper, who had been discharged just a few days prior, thanks to a good word from Aunt Julia. Aura, and Jackson climbed out of their mother's car, the doors slamming shut behind them with echoing thuds. The air was crisp with the chill of October, and the scent of damp leaves and woodsmoke hung over the neighborhood like a veil. It was Halloween night — their absolute favourite night — but also Camille Washington's sixteenth birthday.

Camille was a longtime family friend of the Baldwins. She and Harper had shared playdates when they were little — dress-up in Camila's living room, fairy wings and glitter glue, the kind of childhood bond formed in bare feet and juice boxes. Being born on Halloween was a flex Camille never let anyone forget, and each year she hosted a party that rivalled any high school event. This year was no exception.

From the front seat, Camila leaned over and passed a neatly wrapped box through the window to Aura. The paper was gaudy and loud, covered in cartoon pumpkins and bats, tied with a slick black ribbon. A tag hung from the bow, written in Camila's delicate cursive:

"To Camille. Happy Birthday. Love, the Baldwins x"

"Make sure you give that to Camille the moment you see her, alright?" Camila instructed, her voice tight with a mother's well-worn concern. "Please behave yourselves tonight. I don't want any phone calls — and I definitely don't want to be picking any of you up from the police station."

Aura nodded, careful not to jostle the gift box in her arms. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll be fine."

Camila's eyes lingered on Harper, worry flickering behind them. After Harper's last party incident. Camila hadn't wanted to let her attend tonight. But Halloween meant a lot to Harper. And Camila hated to play the villain, especially when Harper already painted her as one. So she relented, comforted only by the knowledge that Jackson and Aura would be with her. Cody and Millie were supposed to show up later too, which added some peace of mind — at least someone would have eyes on her.

She couldn't help but smile as she looked at her three children in costume. Harper was dressed as Hermione Granger, her curls styled to match the character, complete with a wand tucked into the sleeve of her robe. Aura wore a pirate costume, complete with a wide hat and golden hoop earrings, while Jackson had opted for a classic: a skeleton, bones stark white against a black bodysuit.

"I want you three on your best behaviour tonight. Just because Mr. and Mrs. Washington aren't home doesn't mean you can go crazy and trash the place. Treat it with respect. Cody's there — and you know he'll text me everything. Don't make any stupid choices. Harper, behave. Don't drink."

Her eyes locked onto Harper's as she emphasised don't. Harper offered a soft, sarcastic smile, the kind that barely concealed irritation, then turned without a word and headed toward the house. Jackson followed silently behind her, which left Aura to offer the awkward goodbyes.

Inside, the party was already in full swing. The bass thudded so hard through the walls that it was a miracle the windows weren't rattling loose from their frames. Camille's house was bursting with people — juniors, seniors, and everyone in between. The living room pulsed with music and strobe lights, and the kitchen smelled like spiked punch and cheap perfume.

"Harper! Guys! You made it!"

Camille stumbled over, dressed in a metallic silver dress that shimmered under the lights, white tights covering her legs, and a choppy purple wig styled into a bob just above her shoulders. A silver antenna headband bounced with each excited movement. She threw her arms around Harper in a tight squeeze, giggling breathlessly.

"Hermione! Good choice." she laughed, stepping back to eye Harper's costume. "Though... you don't really strike me as a Gryffindor. But guess what I am!"

"Hmm..." Harper played along, her voice dry, "Alien?"

Camille beamed. "Don't you think my costume is... out of this world?"

Harper chuckled, amused despite herself, as Jackson and Aura entered the house.

"Aura! Jackson! The gangs all here!" Camille shouted, a little too loudly.

Aura approached with a polite smile and held out the birthday gift.

"Here. Happy birthday, Camille. It's from all of us."

Camille squealed in delight and immediately began tearing into the wrapping paper without a second thought, bits of it floating to the ground like confetti.

Harper excused herself and slipped upstairs. Though it had been a while since she'd visited Camille's house, muscle memory guided her through the hallway like it was her own. She turned toward the upstairs bathroom, only to stop short at the line snaking down the corridor. Her shoulders slumped in exasperation as she took her place beside a tall guy in a red devil costume.

She leaned back against the wall, arms folded, trying to ignore the pounding music and occasional shrieks of laughter from behind closed doors.

"So, Hermione, huh?"

Harper's gaze flicked upward. The guy was looking down at her, grinning. Something in his eyes made her stomach twist. Too bold. Too familiar. She gave a tight smile and nodded silently.

"I think she's my favourite character in the series."

"Cool."

Then came the shift. His smile curled darker.

"So, what colour underwear are you wearing? Red for Gryffindor?"

Her face froze. Eyes wide. Disgust surged in her throat.

Before she could step away, an arm wrapped firmly around her waist — not possessive, but protective. Harper turned, startled, to see a girl she didn't recognise, now pulling her close like they were something more.

"Hey babe." the girl said smoothly, her voice calm but commanding. "There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."

Harper's heart nearly leapt out of her chest.

The girl turned her attention to the guy. Her blue eyes — striking and cold as ocean water in winter — narrowed slightly.

"Is this guy bothering you?"

"I— I was just leaving." he muttered.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. Keep walking, buddy."

The guy cleared his throat awkwardly and slipped past them, his bravado evaporating as he disappeared down the stairs.

Harper stepped slightly away from the stranger, hyper-aware of how closely they were standing. Her nerves were still frayed, and her thoughts raced. If anyone saw her like this — with another girl — and word got back to her family... she wasn't sure what she'd do.

"Thanks.." Harper murmured. "He was being... a bit creepy."

"No problem." the girl replied. "I was heading to the bathroom and saw him looming over you like some freak. Ugh, men. They never learn."

She offered her hand. "I'm Josie."

"Harper." she replied, shaking it. "I like your costume. Policewoman, huh?"

"That's Officer Josie to you" she teased with a wink. "But thanks — I love yours too. I'm a big Harry Potter nerd. What's your favourite movie?"

"Chamber of Secrets, hands down."

"Solid choice!" Josie said approvingly. "I'm more of a Goblet of Fire girl myself."

Josie was stunning. She wore a crisp, navy-blue button-up shirt tucked into fitted black trousers. Combat boots completed the look, and a belt hung snug around her hips, complete with toy handcuffs and a plastic gun. Her hair was pulled into a sleek low bun, and black aviators perched just above her forehead. Confidence rolled off her in waves — the kind that made people stop and look.

She tapped the fake gun on her belt with a smirk. "If that creep hadn't backed off, I might've shot him."

Harper laughed — a real laugh. One that bubbled up from somewhere genuine and caught her completely off guard. She hadn't realised how tightly she'd been holding herself together until that moment. Josie guided her a step forward, hands briefly resting on Harper's waist. Her touch was light but intentional. Harper flushed, her cheeks blooming red.

"Don't want to lose your spot in line." Josie said with a grin. "You know how savage party-goers are."

And just like that, Harper had completely forgotten she was even waiting for the bathroom.