For most employees of Britain's Ministry of Magic, the most carefree years of their youth had been tied to Hogwarts. Naturally, they had a special affection for the school, but strict personnel regulations meant that legitimate opportunities to return were rare-the Ghost Office's last assignment at Hogwarts had been more than ten years ago.
When the cool night breeze blew the castle of their memories out of its yellowing photograph, and its majestic bulk filled their eyes, much of the Ghost Office Task Force's resentment over being called in for emergency overtime melted away. Even the head of the Ghost Office was no exception.
"Arrived at our alma mater, Hogwarts! Beautiful Hogwarts-oh, isn't that Peeves? Tsk, let's look at the Astronomy Tower in the distance instead-"
The Ghost Office Director disdainfully averted his eyes from Peeves, who was perched on a stone carving outside the castle, giggling at them, and turned to his subordinates.
"It's eleven at night. Apart from the prefects on patrol, the students are all in their dormitories, so we can afford to be a little less restrained. But it's the first day of term, so there'll be plenty of students sneaking out at night-you all graduated from Hogwarts. Surely you know that?"
"Of course, boss. Back in my day, I got caught sneaking out twice in a row and lost our house thirty points. People gave me dirty looks all term. Ah, those weren't happy memories," the tall employee said nostalgically. "After that, I never dared sneak out without an Invisibility Cloak."
"Only thirty points for two times? I lost forty in one go!" Another employee thumped his chest proudly. "Don't worry, boss-we're all professionals when it comes to sneaking around at night."
"Of course I know you're professionals, but I still have to remind you: