The Deathday Party and Nearly Headless Nick's Quest

Nearly Headless Nick hosts a deathday party and seeks acceptance into the Headless Hunt, while the party provides an alibi for the first attack.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Invitation

A Ghostly Request Nick's Sorrow Nearly Headless Nick is upset because he was rejected from the Headless Hunt due to his partially attached head. He asks Harry to attend his deathday party and perhaps put in a good word with Sir Patrick. The Promise Harry agrees, and he, Ron, and Hermione attend the party on Halloween. The party is a depressing affair, with rotten food and ghostly guests. The Alibi While at the party, they are away from the Great Hall; this later provides an alibi when Mrs. Norris is attacked. The party is also where Harry hears the voice again, leading him to the scene.

The Attack During the Party

The Voice and the Cat The Whisper During the party, Harry hears the disembodied voice again. He follows it to the second floor, where he finds Mrs. Norris petrified under the message. The party is interrupted by the discovery. The Fallout Harry, Ron, and Hermione are caught at the scene and suspected. The attack proves that the Chamber has been opened, and the mystery deepens. Nick's Role Nick's party indirectly leads to the discovery. He later becomes a victim himself, showing that even ghosts are not safe.

Nick's Petrification

A Ghost Frozen The Double Attack Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nearly Headless Nick are found petrified together. Nick is now a black, smoky ghost, unable to move. The attack shows the monster's power over the dead. The Mystery of Ghost Harm Nick's state puzzles everyone. How can a ghost be petrified? This adds to the fear and mystery. It also gives Harry a clue: the monster's stare can affect even spirits. The Recovery Nick is later revived by the Mandrake draught. He resumes his usual ghostly existence, but the experience leaves him shaken.

before Halloween, late October

Halloween night, during the deathday party

after the Dueling Club, December