West Tower, Charms Office.
Professor Flitwick, who had returned to Hogwarts early, was sitting in a specially raised armchair behind his desk, intently reading the latest issue of Defense Express.
When he turned to the Godric's Hollow column and saw the news of renowned historian Bathilda Bagshot's death, he frowned slightly.
The article even included a photograph: a copy of The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, with a note written in green ink placed atop it.
It was the note Rita Skeeter had deliberately left for Bathilda Bagshot.
Professor Flitwick had followed the matter when Rita Skeeter published The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore. After reading the contents of Defense Express, he could roughly guess what methods that woman had used.
She really ought to be sent to Azkaban to keep those Dementors company.
However, this was merely one grim reflection of the British wizarding world under the Dark Lord's control.
Under normal circumstances, Rita Skeeter would never have dared do such a thing.
Professor Flitwick turned to gaze out the window and sighed softly. "Hogwarts will likely know no peace from now on either."
Things were far worse now than they had been more than a decade ago, after Dumbledore's death.
The situation had completely spiraled out of control.
Just then, someone knocked on the door to the Charms Office.
Professor Flitwick instinctively picked up the wand on his desk and looked toward the door.
Aside from the few professors who had returned to the castle early, there should not have been any other outsiders here.
And now someone had actually come looking for him?
Professor Flitwick closed Defense Express, tapped it lightly with his wand, and then said, "Who is it? Come in!"
"Sorry, Professor, for disturbing you."
Harry casually pushed open the door and entered