Prologue: It Started Like This
Minerva McGonagall was seated at her desk. Taking over as Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was proving to be a difficult task. The problems she encountered were due to the previous occupant of this office, short lived though it was. Severus Snape had, unfortunately, been unable to stop some of the other Death Eaters from defiling and, overall, mocking the once-accurate student records. Various crude, rude, and even lewd notes were marked in the records of many students, mostly half-bloods or less. McGonagall worked diligently to restore the accurate information, particularly for those that would be returning to the school in September.
Hogwarts had stood for over a thousand years educating countless young witches and wizards in all the subjects of magic. That final battle had definitely taken its toll on the castle; however, this was not the first time in history that the school had come under attack. It stood until now and would continue to stand for generations to come. Too many people in the wizarding world had ties to Hogwarts to ever truly let her fall.
McGonagall had decided to work on the files for the returning Gryffindor students first; after all, this had been her house, she knew them best. Perhaps throughout tomorrow she would tackle the Ravenclaw student records. Filius Flitwick would be able to assist her with that task. Once they were complete, Hufflepuff would likely be next with Pomona Sprout's help. Honestly, she had to admit that she was dreading going through the records for the Slytherin house students. Minerva had reason to believe that some disciplinary papers would be missing. Aside from that possibility, Slytherin, currently, had no real Head of House. Horace Slughorn had yet to respond regarding another return as Potions Master, and even if he did come back, he wasn't really that familiar with the members of Slytherin house.
"I suppose I could always ask Argus if he has copies of the disciplinary forms." she mumbled to herself. Filch did enjoy taking part in the punishment of the students.
Replacing the completed files to their proper place, the former Transfiguration professor heard the sound of someone coming up the stairs. Straightening her glasses to see who it was at this late hour, McGonagall was greeted by Filch.
"Professor! You're needed downstairs." Filch came to a stop just inside the office. The old man was bent over with his hands on his knees, breathing heavily.
Standing immediately and coming around to join him, McGonagall asked, "What's happened?"
"You're not... going to believe... this one, Professor. Diggle and Jones... have returned... They..." Filch had run all the way from the front gates to the Headmistress's office. This was not in his usual nature, but when Aurors make demands it is best to follow.
Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones had not been sent alone. The worst-case scenario was already coming to McGonagall's mind. "Harry?" With that, the elderly witch hurried past the caretaker and down the stairs. The last thing she wanted was to see another student die.