Throughout the day, excited chatter filled the corridors of Hogwarts as everyone discussed the enigmatic new headmaster. Harry himself was enveloped in a cloud of confusion. Surely, it couldn't be Salazar Slytherin himself? Ron, in complete agreement, chimed in, "It must be Dumbledore!"
However, Hermione disagreed, her brow furrowed in thought. "But why would Dumbledore take on a ghostly form?" she questioned. Ron proceeded to spin a convoluted tale about Dumbledore using Peeves to disguise himself and cause trouble, all part of a grand plan to reclaim control over Hogwarts. Though it sounded far-fetched, Harry secretly hoped that it was indeed Dumbledore's handiwork.
As dinner approached, there was no sign of the ghostly presence or Umbridge. The anticipation grew thick in the air, and Professor McGonagall rose to address the whispers that rippled through the Great Hall. "Under the authority of the new headmaster, Delores Umbridge's decrees are at an end," she declared. A resounding cheer erupted from the students, relieved by the news. "Tomorrow, you will receive new schedules with classes on offensive and defensive magic, which will replace Defense Against the Dark Arts. That is all for now." The words hung in the air, promising change and raising more questions about the mysterious headmaster.
As expected, the announcement failed to satisfy the collective curiosity that had consumed the students. Before long, the head boy and head girl were seen speaking with McGonagall.
"I reckon they're asking about what's been bothering everyone," Dean mused thoughtfully, chewing on a succulent piece of steak. "We'll find out soon enough," Hermione replied, her eyes fixed on the interaction between Roger Davis and McGonagall. Suddenly, Davis's face paled, and a heated argument ensued between him, the head girl—a Hufflepuff Harry didn't recognize—and McGonagall. "This seems serious," Hermione whispered, and Harry nodded in agreement. Something of great importance was transpiring.
Soon enough, the head girl and head boy made their way back, and the head girl approached them. Hermione and Harry stood up to greet her, anticipation etched on their faces. "We have been summoned to meet the headmaster tomorrow morning," the head girl began, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "And yes, he is the spirit of Salazar Slytherin."
A chorus of disbelief and astonishment erupted from those who had been eavesdropping nearby. Even Harry himself was taken aback by this revelation. "Yes, Professor McGonagall seems quite confident. Minister Fudge was chastised and warned not to interfere with the school's affairs recently. Do not underestimate him; remember how dangerous he can be," the head girl cautioned, her eyes scanning the crowd. "But what does this mean for us?" Katie Bell interjected, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
The crowd grew, eager for answers. "Nothing will change; the school will continue to function as it always has. Things will become clearer in due time," McGonagall intervened, her voice cutting through the cacophony of voices. "I expect all of you to focus on your upcoming exams and cease worrying about the school's administration."
Dean raised a valid point, reminding everyone of Slytherin's dark past. "Professor, this is Salazar Slytherin we're talking about. He wanted to eradicate all Muggle-borns, and he was a dark wizard," he pointed out, and Harry nodded, his knowledge of history confirming Dean's words. "Regardless of his past, Mr. Thomas, the current headmaster is committed to improving the state of affairs at Hogwarts and not instigating some idealistic war. I will entertain no further discussion on this matter," McGonagall declared, her words laced with an air of uncertainty that did not go unnoticed by Harry.
The discussion lingered into the late evening, with Fred and George already devising mischievous plans to prank one of the founders, while Ron remained dissatisfied, presenting his new theory on Dumbledore's involvement. Hermione, ever the cautious one, continued reading and offered her opinion only when pressed " I believe Professor McGonagall, we should wait and see". Lost in his thoughts, Harry headed toward the dungeons for his Occlumency lesson, only to realize midway that he had neglected to practice.
His conversation with Cho had done little to alleviate his frustrations. She remained staunch in her defense of Marietta. Fuming with anger, Harry stomped his way to the lesson, knowing that tonight would be particularly challenging.
"Legilimens!" Snape's command echoed in the room, and memories surged forth—Harry running from Dudley and his gang, conversations with Ron about Quidditch, teaching Dumbledore's Army, and his tumultuous encounter with Cho. Gasping for breath, Harry collapsed onto his knees. "It seems, Potter, that you have made no progress. Pathetic, just like your father," Snape sneered, his words laced with a venomous disdain that ignited a burning rage within Harry. How dare Snape say such things?
Before the tension could escalate further, there was a sudden whoosh, and to Harry's astonishment, he found himself face-to-face with the new headmaster. The presence sent a shiver down his spine. Up close, the headmaster's robes appeared translucent green, and his handsome face bore a peculiar scar on the far right side of his forehead. "Ah, well! Very interesting," the headmaster remarked, scrutinizing the room with an air of intrigue. Harry felt an uneasy anticipation. "Ah, Severus, it seems you are teaching the young lad the art of mind magic?"
The headmaster's gaze shifted to Snape, who, if taken aback, did not show it. However, Harry sensed that Snape was prepared for a battle of wits. "Indeed, Headmaster. Young Potter here is a special case," Snape replied, his words dripping with disdain. "Hence, I have been assigned to tutor him."
Snape's explanation was abruptly interrupted by the ghostly figure. "I see, rather fascinating. Although your teaching methods lack finesse, Occlumency is a patient art that requires a deep connection with one's magic. While your rough approach may facilitate the quick development of instinct, it will prove challenging for the young lad to establish a consistent defense," the headmaster spoke casually, as if discussing the weather. Snape responded curtly, "I see". Slytherin continued "Very well, since I have greater experience, allow me to lighten your burden. I shall take over teaching young Potter Occlumency." He smiled and glanced at Harry, who found himself torn between relief and uncertainty.
"Nonetheless, Severus, one of the students, Montague, has been found injured in the restrooms and taken to the medical wing. I expect you to check on him and promptly inform his parents." Snape, recognizing the headmaster's command, left the room with a final lingering look at Harry. "I shall see you tomorrow morning with the prefects, young Potter. Now, excuse me," the ghostly figure declared, gliding away. Harry exhaled, still reeling from the sudden turn of events.
As he prepared to leave, his attention was drawn to the Pensieve, which beckoned him with its enigmatic allure.