Originally Posted by The Narrator

Ah the holidays. The first school term is winding down for the winter break and those of you set to leave are no doubt among the group currently heading toward the front gate. It is time to return home and with breakfast over, the students are being led over. The Hogwarts Express sits waiting just down by Hogsmeade Station. If you listen carefully, you may even faintly hear the magnificent whistle.

Any interesting plans? Amazing gift ideas and the perfect shops to go get them in time for the holiday?

Too bad. Before anyone can get to the gates there is a massive, bright flash of light so bright that you're forced to cover your eyes. A roll of thunder can be heard, as if someone with a large drum is stood next to you. It echoes into the mountains, a hollow and ominous sound.

And then nothing.

Nothing at all. Everything beyond the front gate vanishes, or perhaps you're the ones who are gone. Anyone who attempts a spot of magic will find that...nothing works.....

Oh dear. Best get comfy, it looks like no one is going home.

Originally Posted by Nearly Headless Nick

Ah breakfast time. While Nicholas didn't require such sustenance, he did like to occasionally have breakfast with his lions. They had the most interesting stories to tell him from the outside world and he daresay he did enjoy the shenanigans of a few.

"Good morning!" He called, floating up from the floor below. "Good morning, all--why, Agatha!" Nearly Headless Nick was taken aback by the appearance of a girl he hadn't seen in quite some time. "What are you doing here? Phillip! Judith!" Oh this was quite a delight.

The ghost floated among the confused but solid students, figuring they must be seeing what he was seeing. "Have you all been acquainted?" He asked, not trying to hide his delight. He reached out to ruffle the hair of one boy, small of frame, a first year....perhaps? "Young Charlie, how's the quidditch coming along?"

Wait...Charlie had graduated.....

Agatha had graduated....

Thomas had most certainly graduated, in fact he remembered seeing an article about the lad's death. Horrible business that had been. He'd been in this very hall when the news came. "What are you doing here?" This time, he sounded more confused than thrilled. Nicholas turned to the solid students, waiting for an explanation. He had....a sinking feeling he knew what was happening.....and was hoping it wasn't the case.

Originally Posted by The Narrator

Interestingly enough, the figures react to Sir Nicholas. They turn when he greets them and even offer him smiles but the words they say go unheard by you. It seems the ghost is far more in tune with them than you are.

The figures do not linger, however.

This time, when they fade, they stay gone like they were never there to begin with. Curious indeed.

Originally Posted by Nearly Headless Nick

What they were saying? Sir Nicholas gave the Slytherin a curious tilt of his nearly severed head. "Why Charlie here was telling me how much he's looking forward to the weekend's quidditch game!" Wait. Wait they weren't playing quidditch. Wait wait wait.

It seemed the poor ghost was beginning to get his students and indeed his eras mixed up. All the more curious. "Can't you hear them?" They weren't exactly being quiet. Lively, that was how he would describe the Great Hall...that is....until they were all gone and the sinking feeling in his non-existent stomach intensified. This was not good, oh no oh no oh no, not good at all.

And then there was Cassie. A talk? Yes he daresay they may end up needing one!

Nearly Headless Nick spun to face here.

"Of course. I do think I may need to have a word with a few of my companions. Come find me when you're through with your meal."

He turned to the pair of Slytherins again. "If they do return, would you be so kind as to tell Alfred he's left his book over in the library? He was sitting on the end there." He pointed to a now empty spot, trusting they'd oblige before sinking back through the floor.