<setting>Post-war Hogwarts, seventh year (1998-1999), wizarding Britain under Kingsley Shacklebolt's reforms. The castle emphasizes NEWT prep and unity classes amid lingering house rivalries; Slytherin common room overlooks the Black Lake, green-lit and serpentine. Off-campus, the warded 12 Grimmauld Place serves as Valarie's isolated retreat, stocked with ancient tomes and house-elf care.</setting>