The lower levels of the Castle filled with swampy mist.
The floor rippled like water beneath every footstep, while ghostly long-horned water serpents occasionally emerged from the "surface," curiously staring at passing students.
Thunderstorms raged across the enchanted ceiling, with the skeletal silhouette of a Thunderbird darting through the lightning.
Every now and then, a completely harmless bolt of lightning would strike a student on the head, leaving their hair standing straight up.
Grim yet mischievous Pukwudgie statues winked unexpectedly at passers-by and occasionally teamed up with Wampus spirits to chase startled students through the corridors.
Every Ilvermorny student would immediately recognise the symbols of their own House.
The Astronomy Tower and several upper corridors had become a crimson desert modelled after Uluru in Australia.
The ceiling occasionally transformed into a dazzling night sky, except the constellations depicted various ancient Australian magical creatures, including the ghostly silhouette of an enormous thylacine racing across the dunes.
Glowing boomerang spirits suddenly emerged from the darkness, buzzing around students several times before vanishing again, always leaving behind a small sweet resembling an opal.
The sand paintings covering the ground shifted continuously. If someone stepped on them, the patterns immediately changed to tell a short story with an air of mystery and gentle eeriness.
Hogwarts' own Halloween decorations had also been enhanced.
The roaring pumpkin lanterns now breathed harmless black smoke with bizarre scents. The moving staircases deliberately took students on detours through corridors filled with cobwebs and "ghosts" before eventually delivering them to their destinations. Suits of armour broke into horribly off-key horror songs in perfect unison.
Sagres surveyed his masterpiece, watching students shriek and laugh their way through each carefully designed "terrifying" attraction.
He was satisfied that it perfectly fulfilled Dumbledore's request, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of every participating school while making the experience entertaining through interactive displays.
Each section faithfully captured the mystery, antiquity, and gentle horror unique to its corresponding magical tradition. Nothing was excessively bloody or disturbing, yet every display instantly evoked a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for the visiting students.
Surely this was the finest possible expression of making one's guests feel at home.
As for Hogwarts' younger students becoming too frightened to walk through the corridors alone...
That could simply be regarded as helping them adapt to the diversity of the magical world a little earlier than expected.
Of course, these ingenious decorations had not come entirely from his imagination.
As he had told the students, he had visited each of these legendary schools more than once during his travels around the world, though admittedly not always as an invited guest.
Now, those experiences had been transformed into every remarkable detail throughout the Castle.
After touring the entire school, Dumbledore wore an expression that was difficult to describe.
"Sagres," he began slowly, the eyes behind his half-moon spectacles reflecting a mixture of emotions, "I must admit, these decorations... are remarkably creative, and... they certainly do reflect, to a considerable extent, our respect for and understanding of each school's culture."
"True belonging comes from a deep cultural experience and meaningful interaction," Sagres replied calmly.
Dumbledore nodded with some reluctance, his gaze following a Castelobruxo-style vine as it silently coiled around a nearby pillar.
After a moment, the old man added gently, "I was only wondering... would it be possible to change the shape of the sweets carried by the skeletal fairies?"
"Those are limited-edition Halloween decorations inspired by Beauxbatons' fairy legends," Sagres replied impassively. "I think they're entirely appropriate."
Dumbledore blinked, then wisely decided not to pursue the subject any further.
That evening, while most of the students were still excitedly discussing the ghost ship that abducted people and the skeletal fairies that handed out sweets, Professor Dumbledore rose from the centre of the staff table.
He lightly tapped his goblet. Though his voice was not loud, it instantly silenced the chatter throughout the Great Hall.
Every eye turned towards the elderly wizard in his purple robes embroidered with stars and moons.
"If I may borrow a few minutes of your dinner," Dumbledore began warmly, "before you continue exploring our... rather distinctive Halloween decorations, there are several important matters concerning tomorrow that I need to announce."
The Great Hall fell completely silent. Even the students whose ankles were temporarily wrapped in vines craned their necks to listen.
"First, and most importantly," Dumbledore's gaze slowly swept across the four House tables, "tomorrow we will welcome distinguished guests and delegations from six of the world's leading magical schools."
He tactfully refrained from commenting on whether the Castle's decorations also counted as a form of welcome.
"Therefore, all students are required to wear their Hogwarts uniforms neatly throughout the day."
He stressed the point slightly to ensure everyone heard.
"This is not intended to suppress individuality, but to present ourselves as united hosts. I hope our guests' first impression will be of confident, well-presented Hogwarts students."
A ripple of movement spread through the hall as many students instinctively straightened their robes, Malfoy included.
"Secondly," Dumbledore continued, "all lessons tomorrow will finish at two o'clock in the afternoon to allow us to welcome our guests properly. Afterwards, you are to gather in an orderly fashion on the lawn beside the Black Lake under the guidance of your respective Heads of House. We shall welcome our visitors together."
At the mention of the arriving delegations, excited murmurs immediately spread throughout the hall.
"As for how our guests will arrive..." A mischievous gleam appeared in Dumbledore's eyes. "I'm afraid I'll keep that a surprise. I can, however, promise that it will be a truly unforgettable sight. I ask everyone to remain orderly and to display the courtesy and enthusiasm expected of Hogwarts students. Please avoid crowding around or making excessive noise, as some of the... shall we say... more sensitive magical means of transport are easily disturbed."
Several students chuckled quietly, assuming Dumbledore was speaking in one of his usual riddles.
"Finally," his tone grew a little more serious, "friendship before competition. Over the coming days, whether you belong to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, I hope you will remember that you are first and foremost representatives of Hogwarts. Treat every guest with kindness. Each of you reflects upon our school. Let us greet our visitors with warmth and dignity, leaving them with the finest possible first impression."
He paused before his familiar twinkle returned.
"Of course, while observing the rules and conducting yourselves with grace, I also encourage you to make friends with students from around the world. It will be a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn about magical cultures beyond Britain. In many ways, that experience may prove just as valuable as any lesson taught in the classroom."
He raised the goblet in his hand, filled with what appeared to be lemonade.
"So, let us wish for a successful day tomorrow, and look forward to a memorable, friendly, and unforgettable gathering. Now, enjoy your... rather unusual Halloween Eve."
As his words came to an end, the Great Hall erupted into enthusiastic applause and excited conversation.
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