It was a Thursday night. Valentin had been employed as an aid to Ministre de la Magie. Michael was a rapidly advancing auror in the French Ministry. Neighbors reported hearing the two men arguing, a fact that Valentin would later confirm. According to Valentin’s official statement, the two men argued regarding a work-related event that Michael was supposed to be attending with Valentin. Michael had instead taken a last minute job that he could would not discuss with Valentin. Neighbors reported that Michael departed the apartment upset, only to return approximately an hour later in an “unusual, perhaps inebriated state.” Valentin’s statement claimed that Michael had attempted to climb the stairs to the second floor where their bedroom was located. Valentin claimed to have heard Michael and came out to confront. Instead, Valentin maintained that something was not right with Michael and he attempted to help Michael up the last few stairs. Upon reaching the last step, “Michael’s legs gave out and he tumbled backwards as if something has thrown him.” French Law Enforcement were unable to find evidence of Michael being drugged or charmed.

Vale would learn years later, that Michael faked his death to join a group of dark witches and wizards.

During the third Wizarding World War, Teddy was hit with the Pinocchio curse*. By the time the curse was discovered, it was too late to fully reverse it. Curse-breakers were able to confine the curse to his left leg, which remains stiff. The stiffness gets worse if he lies and the type of lie he tells affects the length of time it takes for the curse to wear off.

*Pinocchio Curse causes a person who tells lies to slowly stiffen as if turning to wood.