Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Book 5 - Chapter 38 Part 3

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Book 5 - Chapter 38 Part 3

“Good evening,” he said, withdrawing the rest of his body from the solid stone and smiling at Harry. “I am not the only one who is late, then? Though,” he sighed, “in rather different senses, of course …” “Nick, can I ask you something?” A most peculiar expression stole over Nearly Headless Nick’s face as he inserted a finger in the stiff ruff at his neck and tugged it a little straighter, apparently to give himself thinking time. He desisted only when his partially severed neck seemed about to give way completely. “Er — now, Harry?” said Nick, looking discomforted. “Can’t it wait until after the feast?” “No — Nick — please,” said Harry, “I really need to talk to you. Can we go in here?” Harry opened the door of the nearest classroom and Nearly Headless Nick sighed. “Oh very well,” he said, looking resigned. “I can’t pretend I haven’t been expecting it.” Harry was holding the door open for him, but he drifted through the wall instead. “Expecting what?” Harry asked, as he closed the door. “You …