There were children here once, the ghosts whisper to each other.

Were they like us? the portrait-children ask. It was so long ago, so long and we forget.

There was a great battle here, Phineas Nigellus says, and the Grey Lady says No, they left us, they sailed away to some starlit shore and left us behind. The Fat Lady says They have passed into dark waters, and will let no one in, not even the ghosts.

The portrait-children are afraid to go down the ruined corridors in the dark. Sir Cadogan goes with them now, and holds their hands.