Disclaimer - Wish I owned it. Wish I were in it. Alas, neither is true.
Under the Starry Sky
"… There's only two students left to be sorted. I'd like to get this over with before we begin dinner as the three of them don't have anywhere to sit." Harry examined the face looking out of the fire at him. It betrayed only a small amount of urgency, looking as if it merely wished for expediency.
"Neville, what exactly happened?" The familiar head gave a sigh. The other man glanced down for a moment before replying. Then he looked Harry straight in the eye, hoping he would be believed.
"I really don't know how to explain. You'll just have to come. It's urgent, but not life threatening. Don't kill yourself trying to get here. It's just that we would like this settled before the night is through."
"Alright, Nev. I'll leave now." Harry broke the connection and stood to find his wife rather closer than he expected. Have I become complacent, or is it just her who can sneak up on me? "Ginny. I… Well, Neville's asked for help and… I don't know how long I'll be gone." He gave up explaining the bizarre conversation he had just had with his former roommate.
"It's alright, Harry. I heard enough. Just hurry up and get back, Lilly and I might run-a-muck without any male influence to keep us on track. Well, there is Ron, but he doesn't really count."
Harry nodded and left the room to collect his broom, invisibility cloak, and a small bag of clothes. Stepping out the front door he mounted his broom, threw on his cloak, and disappeared into the night sky.
Passing over London, Harry realized that it would be best if he landed and apparated. He set down in the middle of a bridge, currently devoid of traffic. Concentrating for a moment, he was gone with a noise reminiscent of a cracked ankle.
Harry landed before a winged boar; on his right was a tall, wrought iron gate. Harry knew that this late at night the gates to Hogwarts Castle would be locked. Without significant deliberation the slender man hoisted himself atop the thick wall. "Erodelbmub." How in the world did Neville say that so easily?
From here he could see only one room fully illuminated. Guess that's where I'll go. There was a soft flump as Harry landed on the ground. Straightening, he gave a nod in the direction of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's tomb, the boy who lived set off at a brisk pace toward the front doors of the castle.
Harry swung the massive door open with a little effort. A poltergeist hanging in mid-air was not the first thing he expected to see. Peeves should be in the Great Hall mucking up the Professors frustrations. Not, just… hanging here. Something must be wrong.
"Peeves, has Mr. Filch been hurt?" An injury to the school caretaker (made by someone else) was the only thing that made the pointy little spirit so still.
"No." Peeves sounded as though he was considering crying. "Look for yourself." He pointed in the direction of another large set of doors. The Great Hall.
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Author's Note: Hmm, these chapters are getting short. Well, I try to break them up in a purposefull way.