The doorway to the Great Hall was completely obstructed by students, all of them gathered around like spectators at a sports match, only their faces were solemn and fearful rather than excited and joyous. A sudden shriek made Harry flinch back in surprise. Peeves appeared above the heads of the students, cackling gleefully and pelting the crowd with rotten fruit - they bounced off a shield that Harry hadn’t noticed until he saw it shimmer when a mouldy apple collided with it. Draco caught his wrist before he could advance further forward and pulled him back against his side and out of the fray. He shook his head and conjured them their own personal shield to protect them from Peeves assault.