Red, H. Mikaelson.

Ghost from the past.

Nathan sat alone on the stairs as Alaric spoke during the Morning Assembly.

Usually he would sit next to literally anyone but today he had a sinking feeling in his gut that made him a bit jumpy.

Which caused him to be late and he decided to sit on the stairs instead of trying to find a seat in the crowd.

He had sat down just as Sheriff Donovan and Alaric showed up. Alaric stepped up to the podium and started speaking.

"Given our recent influx of monsters, Sheriff Donovan and I have decided we need to take drastic action. Please give him your full attention."

The Alaric stepped away from the podium and gave it to the man to speak.

"Like Dr. Saltzman was saying, local girls Dana Lilien and Sasha Stoteraux didn't come home last night."

His words tried to convey that he was asking for their help but his eyes and tone made it clear that he was looking at them as suspects.

"Dana sometimes skips town for a few days to party, but this is a first for Sasha."

He added as he moved away from the stage. As Alaric stepped back in front, Matt handed two photographs to the nearest kids.

As they started to pass the photos around to the students who didn't know either of the girls.

"Thank you, Sheriff Donovan. Now while the knife is away with Dorian and things are quiet on his end, it won't hurt to assume the worst."

As soon as Alaric saw Nathan being handed both the pictures, he spoke up again.

"Now, I'll need a few of you to volunteer to go to Mystic Falls High under the guise of an exchange program meant to improve relations between our schools, which, unfortunately, is necessary, given recent events."

Alaric took a deep sigh as he continued.

"Now, I give you permission to compel them, to gather materials form locator spells, because any information we can get will make all the difference."

Suddenly, and to Nathan's tremendous surprise, Lizzie stood up as she moved to address the crowd.

"Well, I guess that I can set aside my differences with Dana for a day, because that is what heroes do."

Nathan and Alaric sighed, but Nathan's sigh was so loud that it made many students to turn to face him. Hope was even smiling at him from her place.

However Nathan didn't notice as he talked to Lizzie.

"I'm sorry Liz but seriously? You want to look for Dana? You told me once that you would throw a party on the day of her death."

Many had to suppress the chuckle that came to their lips. As Lizzie spoke.

"I've grown Nate."

"Sure." Nathan said, dragging the 're' in a tone that oozed with sarcasm.

"I'm in." Suddenly Kaleb said, standing up.

He was soon joined by MG.

"I'm in too."

And then much to everyone's surprise, Hope stood up.

"I'd like to help."

This actually left Alaric and Nathan speechless.

As the assembly was called to an end.

-x-

Nathan stopped Alaric before he could go off with Matt. As He asked.

"What am I supposed to do?"