[Fantasy]

This could be paranormal... or it could be the house settling. Old houses settle and they tend to creak and squeal a lot.

And when you know that the noises are coming, you are preparing yourself psychologically for the noises, whether or not they happen.

If it is a ghost, it may not be a human spirit. It could also be a demon or a poltergeist. A poltergeist is a mischievous spirit that usually won't hurt you, just scare you.