Hogwarts was empty as they trudged into the entry hall. Kalli looked up the grand staircase, and sighed. "Home," she whispered. Harry laced his fingers through hers, and dropped the trunks. He spun her around and dipped her almost to the ground. She giggled, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "What are we to do?"
Ron stood to the back and the left, watching them, his hand wrapped in Hermione's. "Dumbledore mentioned that there were some guest rooms down the hallway from the library. We are welcome to stay there. All though, it could be fun to stay in the dorms one last time…"
"Hmmm," Kalli replied, as Harry swung her back up. "We could explore the other dorms. We are no longer considered Gryffindors."
The next to speak was Hermione, from beside Ron. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry. Breakfast was interrupted."
"And you lost most of it on the bus ride," Ron countered. Hermione scowled at him, but left her hand in his.
"Let's go drop our stuff in our rooms, then to the kitchen, Marauders," Harry said, taking Kalli's hand in his and leading them upstairs.
A large canopy bed engulfed the center of the room as Kalli stepped in. Harry followed shortly with the trunks. "Why is nothing in this castle normal sized?" Kalli asked, gazing around the gargantuan room. "I feel so…"
"Diminutive?" Harry continued. Kalli nodded, sweeping her jacket onto the bed. "Don't worry, my love. You're not diminutive. You're radiant."
Kalli smiled at him, her ice blue eyes bright in the dark of the stone room. The bed was draped in gold and hues of pale yellow. The curtains were deep gold, trimmed with black. The carpet was a deep garnet set with gold ribbons along the walls. The lampshades were ebony with gold trim. The whole room glowed with brilliance and darkness. Kalli's ice blue skirt and white shirt contrasted violently with the surrounding room. Her ebony hair blended in with the walls and colors, while her creamy skin shone like a lighthouse in the dark. Harry's more scarlet jacket and faded jeans seemed lost in the room, like a ship on the tides.
He was drawn toward her, his emerald green eyes flashing brightly in his shadowed face. "You, Harry, are a mystery to me. I never know what is coursing through your mind," Kalli whispered as he advanced toward her.
"It generally pertains to have ravishing you are; how long it's been since I held you; and of course, what it would feel like to kiss you." Kalli smiled at him. "Generally I just think of you," Harry finished, wrapping his arms around Kalli's waist and pulling her close.
A clearing of the throat caused Harry and Kalli to turn their attention to the doorway. Ron stood in the absence, smiling. "The rooms are massive, Potter. Hermione got lost on her way to the fireplace. What should we do first? We have free run of Hogwarts Castle. No curfews, no monitors, no detention."
"We do have Hermione, however," Kalli replied, leaning against Harry's chest.
"I heard that, Damia," Hermione said from behind Ron. Kalli smiled at her best friend. "I solemnly swear that I shall not report any goings-on to the Headmaster." She held up her right hand. "Marauder's Honor." Harry started to laugh. Obviously it was contagious, because it spread first to Kalli, then Ron, and finally Hermione.
"Hmm," Kalli said, her eyes misting with unshed tears of laughter, "Before we go hurling water balloons off the balconies of the entry hall, lets grab some food, and explore the place without prefects."
"Got that, my love," Ron said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "No prefects."
Hermione stuck her tongue out at him. "You were a prefect as well, Weasley."
"Don't remind me, Granger."
"Won't it be hilarious when they're both Weasleys?" Kalli asked, smiling at Harry. The couple stuck their tongues out at her in unison.
The painting of the fruit moved aside, revealing the kitchen, and the house elves. "Mister Potter," one of them rattled off. "What can we do for you?"
"We were hoping for some food," Harry said, "If it's not too much trouble."
"No, Mister Potter, sir. It is not too much trouble." Three house elves rushed over with plates of food, setting them down on the mirrored tables of the great hall. "Do you want us to send it up to you?"
"No, we can eat here, if you don't mind," Hermione said, sitting down at one of the benches. The house elf nodded, and backed away.
A loud bang echoed through the castle as soon as Harry brought a fork with scrambled eggs to his lips. Kalli squeaked, and slid closer to him. "What was that?" she whispered. Harry shrugged. Ron and Hermione were staring at the enchanted ceiling.
"Come on, Ron," Harry whispered. "Let's go see what it was."
Kalli rose to her feet, and made to go as well. "No," Harry replied, glancing at her. "You're waiting here. Both you and Hermione. Promise me." Kalli nodded. "Say the words, Kalinda."
"I promise," Kalli replied. Ron and Harry nodded, and moved toward the door. The painting swung open, and the two men stepped out.
Down the hallway, Ron and Harry checked around each corner before advancing. Harry sighed. "Why does this happen to us?"
"Us? This stuff only happens to me when you're around. I blame you, Potter," Ron whispered. Harry grinned. Ron grinned back at him. Another bang echoed through the castle, rattling the windows and shaking the walls. "Damn it, Potter," Ron said, leaning against the wall. "Something's afoot in Hogwarts," Ron whispered, "And I have no idea what to do."
"Charge in, wands drawn and hope we don't die…" Harry whispered in return.
"Sounds violently adventurous," the redheaded wizard replied. Harry nodded. "Let's go."
The duo charged around the corner, wands outstretched, and dashed into the entry hall. The only thing that greeted them in the hall was silence. They stopped, and glanced around, bewildered. "Hmmm," Harry said, lowering his wand.
Before he could say anything, the loud banging came again. From the front door. Harry's wand leveled back out, and Ron took a step up to stand beside Harry. "Should we answer it?" Ron asked softly, staring at the oak door.
"Do we have a choice?" Harry asked.
The two of them moved towards the door. Harry reached over and grabbed the handle. He pulled it toward him, revealing what lay beyond it. Ron gasped as he stared. Harry came around the door, fearing what would greet him. Outside the front door of Hogwarts there were no extensive grounds of green fragrant grass. There was no longer a sky of indescribable blue or fluffy clouds of white. All that lay outside the huge oak doors of Hogwarts was total darkness; a void of existence.
"Where are we?" Ron asked.
Harry closed the door, and pressed his back to it. "Nowhere."