A/N Daemonwolf, Rickman's Girl, Emily Snape thank you for you wonderful reviews!

I would love to have a beta reader. But I don't know where to get one... Maybe someone want's to be my beta?

7

"Well, what do you think?"

The tall black-haired man looked expectantly at the old wizard. Albus Dumbledore pinched his bearded chin thoughtfully. There was no usual twinkle in his eyes, his face bore a grave expression.

"To tell you the truth, Severus, I do not know what to think of it. The body is no longer in the ground. The spell I just performed proved that. Therefore we can be sure it is not a foolish prank".

"But who could've done this?"

"Ahhh, Severus… I believe the correct question is 'how' not 'who'. We both know that it is not possible to remove the body from the ground of this cemetery without permission of the dead person's heir (if they are of legal age) or proxy. The permission must be signed by the Ministry of Magic. And the heir or proxy must be present to take off some of the spells when the process of extraction takes place. I never gave permission to do something like this, Severus. And I am the only one who has the right to do so. That again leaves us with the question 'how'."

"Yes. But in spite of all the spells protecting this place the grave and the body are gone. Someone must've found the way to get round them. That is the only logical explanation. The grave couldn't disappear by itself without the help of humans."

"Couldn't it?"

"What exactly are you implying, Albus?"

"Nothing, Severus, nothing. I am afraid all we can do now is wait for the answers to come."

*~*~*~*~*

*Three days later. August 31.*

The castle was ready for the new school year. Everything was cleaned and repaired; extra strong protection spells were placed around and on the Hogwarts grounds. The big stone building was savoring the last moments of tranquility. Even the stairs were unusually motionless today.

It was late in the evening. All the stuff was already in Hogwarts. Minerva McGonagall was on her way to the headmaster's office. She and some of the other teachers altered their lesson plans for the upcoming year. Voldemort was back in full power and it was very important to teach the children how to defend themselves. Dolores Umbridge could no longer put a spoke in their wheel.

The stern witch stepped into the corridor that led to Dumbledore's office and spotted someone in front of her, walking toward the ugly gargoyle. The cat inside her told Minerva that it was the strange person from Diagon Alley. She quickened her pace.

"Excuse me. May I help you?"

The strange visitor stopped and turned to the elderly witch who was already standing near. The hood was still covering their face.

"Yes, as a matter of fact you can."

So it was a woman. Minerva frowned. A woman with a very familiar voice. But she couldn't place it.

"I would like to see the headmaster."

"Does he know you're here?"

"No."

"I will inform him of you presence. How shall I introduce you?"

"No names. I want it to be a surprise for him. Just tell him that someone he knows very well wants to see him."

Minerva detected hints of amusement in the stranger's voice. She did not like the fact that the woman refused to give her name. It was suspicious, just like the fact that she hid her face behind the hood. But the protective spells were activated and they ensured that no-one with bad intentions could get this far. At least not unnoticed. That and the "built-in cat" persuaded McGonagall to trust the woman.

"All right. Follow me."

When they reached the gargoyle Minerva stopped.

"Please wait here."

Professor McGonagall whispered the secret password and wall behind the ugly stone creature split in two revealing a spiral staircase that was moving upward. The stern-looking witch stepped onto it and the wall closed behind her. Soon the spiral staircase with the deputy headmistress on it reappeared and the visitor joined Minerva for a slightly dizzy ride to Albus Dumbledore's office.

When the two women entered the large and beautiful circular room the headmaster stood near the golden perch where his phoenix sat. Albus studied the stranger silently. The mysterious moman was also silent. Minerva sensed that something was going on between them. Suddenly the old wizard smiled warmly and spoke.

"Welcome back…flower".

Minerva looked at the woman. Flower? She still couldn't understand who the stranger was. The visitor laughed softly.

"I could never hide anything from you Albus, could I?"

The mysterious woman took off her hood. Minerva McGonagall nearly fainted. Before her stood Lily Evans…