Author's Note: This story takes place shortly after book 4. Sirius has been laying in wait with Mundungus Fletcher over the summer. Snape has left the school for the time being, so the potions position lies open. The school year begins with Dumbledore away at many conferences, so Professor McGonagall has taken her usual position as Deputy Headmistress.
There was a crowd of people waiting on the steps of the school for something unknown. The train had left an hour earlier than usual, so dinner was not quite ready. However, the students of Hogwarts stood there in a half silence with the professors keeping a careful eye on them. A half hour had passed, before a small group appeared on the path from Hogsmeade. It was the governors of the school, chattering merrily away and ignoring the couple leading them. In front of the pack was Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa, holding hands as they trudged along the path. The Malfoys obviously despised having to walk to the school, much less having the governors behind them. However, the group behind them took no notice of the walk, seemingly as happy as ever. Professor McGonagall moved out of her place in the back of the pack and came down the steps to meet everyone.

"Good evening Lucius, Narcissa," she said bitterly. "So glad you could join us."

"Not a problem darling," Narcissa cooed. "We just couldn't wait for this moment, could we, sweetheart?"

"Certainly not," Lucius readily agreed.

They moved aside for the oncoming governors. The group would form a receiving line up to the steps, where the guest would enter. Professor McGonagall managed a smile as she greeted each one. The group calmed down and worked their way into silence. Looking over her shoulder, Professor McGonagall looked at Professor Trelawny.

"Is everyone here, Sybil?"

"They appear to be, my dear. Lucius and Narcissa came first. Moreover, all the governors are here. Evelyn, Edward, Sierra, Steven, Marilyn, Michael, Clarissa, Christopher, Angela, Anthony, David and Dido. That's everyone, Minerva."

Everyone snapped to attention when the next group appeared on the road. A well-dressed man walked at the head of a pack of armed slaves. Six men carried a litter with its curtains drawn, while about 20 pages hurried along behind. They drew as close as possible to the receiving line before stopping. The waiting group could see that the litter was all a-flutter with blue silks, bells tinkling gently in the evening breeze and sandalwood smoke snaked its way out of the curtains from a censer hung inside.

"Way, way for Belisama, Princess of Darkness!"

This was going to be a long night.