Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter!
Prologue – From Beyond the Grave
It had finally happened. Professor Albus Dumbledore, former headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had finally gone off his rocker. Now mind you, many had thought he had lost his mind years before his death. Indeed, the deceased man had truly lost it. At least, that's what Minerva McGonagall thought as she stared at the portrait in the far corner of the large, circular office. The moon streaked in through the open windows, illuminating the painting in a light glow, causing the figure's eyes to twinkle even more so than usual. Minerva sighed before she addressed the man, sweeping her hand down her face in frustration.
"Really, Albus. This idea is preposterous, insane even. You and I both know it would never work." The man in the painting smiled, chuckling before adjusting his half-moon spectacles.
"Ah, Minerva. You have lost faith. These students are more accepting than you realize. You'll see. Everything will go according to plan. This will be the perfect way to promote inter-house unity."
"Accepting? Inter-house unity?!," McGonagall's voice rose with every word. "Albus, these students are about ready to declare war on each other! What makes you think this is even going to work?" Dumbledore sighed as he watched the deputy headmistress pace back and forth in front of him, hands crossed behind her back, cape swishing gently to and fro. She paused for a moment before turning to face him once more.
"Well," McGonagall asked impatiently, waiting for an answer.
"Don't worry, Minerva. I have faith in these children. They'll work together whether they like it or not, especially if it counts as a pre-requisite for graduation."
"I suppose you are right," Minerva admitted reluctantly, sighing in defeat before regaining her poise and continuing with a renewed vigor, eyes gleaming in determination. "But, if this doesn't work I will place you at fault!"
"Yes, yes. Of course! However, you forgot one thing Minerva." The former headmaster replied, eyes bouncing in amusement as he tried his best not to laugh.
"What?" She asked suspiciously. Her eyes grew weary, mouth drawing in a thin line as she watched the former headmaster try to regain his dignity. He failed, for he burst out into a full-body laugh before replying.
"I'm dead!"
"Oh!" Professor McGonagall growled before turning on her heel and stomping over to the door that led to the descending spiral staircase. She turned back to face her colleague, giving him an icy glare she wretched the door open and left the office in a huff. Dumbledore watched her go in mild amusement. He had hoped she would have stayed to hear the rest of his great plan. Ah Well, he thought, I will speak with her more on the matter tomorrow. Oh yes, he couldn't wait. This was going to be quite the interesting year. He chuckled as he imagined the looks of horror that would soon grace the faces of all the seventh years when they returned to the castle tomorrow. Indeed, the students were in for quite a surprise.
Best of all, they would never know that this brilliant scheme came from beyond the grave.