Hildegarde had returned from Egypt a few pounds lighter and five hundred and forty three scrolls heavier. It had been an absolute success, from start to finish - everything was a smooth operation. Her wrinkled skin had a healthy tinge to it, and even the harshest of her detractors would say the History of Magic professor had a spring in her step. Of course, the frown was still there, but it was softened, somehow. Tight lips had cracked into a smile on occasion, and Hildegarde had even laughed at a colleague's joke.

Although the old historian would never admit it, leaving the shelter of her memory-drowned cottage had been a good thing. She was getting older, and although nothing would quell her heartache over Bernard's death all those years ago, every day felt a little better. Hogwarts had been a gradual and partial remedy. The professor still pored over ancient tomes and student essays, she was still strict and critical, but something had become less rigid. Less bitter. Time really was a healer in some respects.

Such good things could never last, however. Her happiness was to be shortlived.

Striding into her office, Hildegarde removed a long, navy scarf from around her neck, tossing it onto the hat stand with golden hands that magically gripped all belongings they touched. She spluttered. Taking a seat, her regimented desk required a much-needed reorganisation. Parchments were shuffled, drawers emptied: it'd take at least three hours to get utterly perfect. Some habits were just impossible to shake-off.

She coughed once more, and pressed a hand over her mouth. Except this time, it lingered in her throat like a scratch at that unreachable place at the bottom of the back. It began as annoying, but soon developed, and Hildegarde began rasping for breath. Gripping the edge of her desk, she felt her lungs become tighter, her face reddening. Not a pleasant red, but a colour of alarm. It didn't cease.

"Ugh." It escaped her lips scratchily. She keeled over, light-headedness sweeping in. Holding her throat, it burned. Vision went white.

And Professor Austerlitz tumbled from her seat. She stopped coughing.