This story's first few chapters have been altered from their original versions to fit in canonically with the events of OotP. Standard disclaimers apply; I solemnly swear I am up to no good.

Confessional
Falkesbane

*

Prologue ~ Poppy's Letter

To:
Chronicler's Division
The Office of Magical History
Pixiesbell Point
Northumberland

4 May 1999

To whom it may concern:

It has come to my attention via the Daily Prophet that your organization is endeavouring to put together the first history of the rise and fall of Lord Voldemort, and of the two separate wars he began. I have always enjoyed the volumes you put out, and I look forward to this one; however, one aspect of your researching has always bothered me, and that is the fact that you simply fail to put a human turn on events. History is not cold chronology, and I should hope that your rendition of these particular events should breathe life into the persons of Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort, Albus Dumbledore, and all of the others involved – myself counted among them.

You will notice that the owl is carrying a book as well as this letter. It is nothing more than the story of a life – a life which, by your count, must be insignificant when compared to the likes of Potter and Dumbledore. But, as historians, you will know that heroism comes not only in grand, sweeping gestures, but also in thankless work and in iron resolve. You will recognize the name of Minerva McGonagall – vaguely, likely, as one among the scores of dead – and this volume is in her hand. It is hers. And I ask you to take the histories within into consideration when compiling your "official" history of the wars.

The book came into my possession through Albus Dumbledore, who, before he died, bequeathed it to me with this single sentence: It needs to be told. And, after reading it once, twice, then countless times, I must agree with him, even if the writer of the piece herself did not want to tell it to the world. If nothing else, you will concur that it does hold a good deal of historical merit. Admittedly, I do feel a bit guilty giving up a possession belonging to a dearest friend, but, after holding it secret for a little more than a year, I am stilled by the thought that I will someday die and all of this knowledge will die with me, and I pray that she will forgive me for letting out her secrets.

Please. It needs to be told.

Madam Poppy Pomfrey
Head of Infirmary
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry