West Tower, Charms Office.
Professor Flitwick, who had returned to Hogwarts early, was sitting in his specially raised armchair behind his desk, intently reading the latest issue of the 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 seeing the contents of the Defense Express, he could more or less guess what methods that woman had used.
She really ought to be sent to Azkaban to keep those Dementors company.
Yet this was merely one dreadful reflection of the British wizarding world under the Dark Lord's control.
Under normal circumstances, Rita Skeeter would never have dared to do such a thing.
Professor Flitwick turned to look out the window and sighed softly. "Hogwarts will likely not remain peaceful either."
After Dumbledore's death, things were far worse than they had been more than a decade ago.
The situation had now completely spiraled out of control.
Just then, someone knocked on the door of the Charms Office.
Professor Flitwick instinctively picked up the wand on his desk and looked toward the door.
Apart from a handful of professors who had returned to the castle early, there should not have been any other outsiders there.
And now someone had come looking for him?
Professor Flitwick closed the Defense Express, tapped the magazine lightly, and only then said, "Who is it? Come in!"
"Sorry, Professor. We're disturbing you."
Harry pushed open the door to