Jim sat on the bench closest to the center of the park. It was a beautiful park, with trees and flower beds bordering walking paths. There was a running path around the edge. It wasn't a large park, having been a house and yards once upon a time. Over 20 years, the trees had grown, and the neighborhood enjoyed the shade.
There was one place that people preferred not to go, however. At the center of the park was a stone with an engraved plate fastened to it. The area around the stone seemed colder than other parts of the park. If you touched the stone, you might feel despair, or anger, or loneliness, or a number of other negative emotions. People who touched the stone once never did so again. It had even ceased to be the subject of dares between the children in the neighborhood. So much negativity discouraged even the bravest of them.
Jim was there for a reason, though. It was just past sundown, and the park was empty.
"Harry?"
A form seemed to fade into view. It wasn't even close to solid, but was identifiably a young man, perhaps fourteen or so years old.
"Jimmy. Has something happened?"
"The city wants to tear this block of houses down. They are expanding the underground out this way, and want to use this area for a station and parking. All of the owners of the houses have been approached, and most have agreed to sell. The government is giving them a good price for their properties."
"I see. I am tied here, you know. I'm not really a ghost, I'm more akin to a poltergeist, although I'm not destructive."
"Yes, I know. I met Peeves, remember?"
"Right, you went to Hogwarts. You should talk to Hermione. She will know how to let me go, or can find out. She's good at that."
"Harry, I don't know where she is. After you died, people sort of scattered for a while. I don't think she came back afterwards."
"Hmmm. Her parents were dentists, but they are probably dead by now. Its' been a long time, I think, since the War."
Jim shifted on the bench. "It's been about 35 years or so, if I remember correctly."
"Your best bet is to go back to Hogwarts, and talk to some of the professors. They might know where Hermione is, if she got in touch with any of them. Also, check with the Weasleys, if any of them are still around."
"Okay. Is it okay if I sell the land? It's a good price for it, and the money will help send my kids to Hogwarts. I can move the stone somewhere, if that is what you're tied to."
"Actually, I'm tied to something that is in the stone, hidden behind the plaque. If you remove the plaque, take the object out, and I will go where it goes."
"Where do you want me to take it?"
"Could you take it to Hogwarts, and put it in the second floor girl's bathroom?"
"Sure, but why there?"
"I can keep Myrtle company. She won't mind my emotions, because she's already dead."
Jim moved over to the stone. He would need a wrench to remove the bolts holding the plaque. He went to his car and rummaged in the boot. He had a tool set in it for emergencies. He found a wrench, and went back to the stone in the park.
After some effort, as it had been a while since the plaque was placed there, he managed to remove it. Sure enough, behind the plaque was a small hollow. In it was a piece of fabric, old and faded.
Jim removed it from the hole, and shook it out. It was a faded blue baby blanket, stained and worn. On one corner was embroidered the name, 'Harry'.