Minerva couldn't believe her eyes. She had arrived at the breakfast table, preparing herself for another day of mischievous pranks by the Weasley twins and the task of teaching. She had hoped to conduct a few revisions before the upcoming exams. However, what awaited her was beyond her wildest imagination—a ghostly figure seated in the headmaster's chair. At first, she thought it was another prank, as did everyone else. But Filius quickly dismissed that notion, stating that it couldn't be Peeves in disguise.

"Please gather in the headmaster's chambers, esteemed members of the teaching staff," he announced, as Umbridge, wearing a surprised expression, arrived. "I have been appointed the headmaster of this school. Certain measures must be taken, starting with the removal of the current headmistress, and breaking away from the influence of the incompetent Ministry of Magic."

Umbridge vehemently opposed this and was eventually dragged out, kicking and screaming. Minerva took vindictive pleasure in watching her leave. Finally, the man introduced himself as Professor Salazar Slytherin and left the Great Hall nonchalantly. Minerva was shocked, and judging by the expressions on the other professors' faces, they were too.

The students, taken aback by this sudden news, bombarded her with questions as she made her way to follow the ghostly headmaster. "Is he truly Slytherin?" "Is this some kind of prank, professor?" "Has Umbridge really been fired?" "Who is he, really?"

She chose not to answer, as she was unsure herself, and silenced the crowd with a stern glare. "Your classes will commence in the next hour. Do not be late!," she threatened before leading herself and the professors towards the headmaster's chamber. Along the way, Minerva wondered if Albus had orchestrated this, and apparently, so did everyone else. "But he cannot do this," Filius's diminutive voice stated the obvious. "Creating such a ghostly appearance is not possible through charms." "Nor through potions," Severus added sullenly, but the glint in his eyes revealed his curiosity. They speculated.

As she prepared to speak the password, the stone gargoyle unexpectedly opened. Surprised, the professors entered to find the headmaster's chambers in the same state as when Albus had left. However, the room was now filled with the house ghosts, and in the center, sitting in Albus's place, was the man who claimed to be Slytherin.

"I'm glad you are punctual," the man said, interrupting Minerva's thoughts. "I stand before you today as the reincarnated spirit of Salazar Slytherin, entrusted with the sacred duty of restoring the glory of Hogwarts. Our beloved school has languished in mismanagement for far too long."

He turned his piercing gaze to each professor in turn, his eyes filled with purpose. "It is time to reignite the flames of knowledge and ensure the future of magic. In older times, every professor took on apprentices. Their task," he paused, pacing, "was to assist younger students and allow the mast-professors to teach older students in more detail. Additionally, they were expected to spread knowledge and eventually take up positions in teaching or research. Noticing the lack of apprentices, I call upon each of you to take on apprentices, guiding them in their chosen fields of study. Let us nurture the next generation of witches and wizards, fostering their talents and preparing them to face the challenges that lie ahead."

Minerva was astounded. Taking on apprentices had been prohibited by the Ministry a century ago due to various reasons, one of which was that Muggle-born students were able to gain greater insight into magic. By entering fields of teaching and research, they could gain more influence. Others seemed to share similar thoughts. "But the Ministry doesn't allow that anymore," pointed out Aurora Sinistra. "I am well aware. However, I aim for the complete removal of the Ministry's control over our school," the man replied. "But by what right?" ventured Severus. "You claim to be a founder who lived a millennium ago. For all we know, you could be some phantom attempting to cause chaos." Suddenly, the portraits of the previous headmasters began to speak. "He is Slytherin himself!" "You buffoon, you have no idea!" "Preposterous child!" The voices fell silent when the Sorting Hat coughed. "Severus Snape, I assure you, in this time of need, the magic of Hogwarts and I have summoned the spirit of the founder most intimately connected to the magic and wards of Hogwarts. He is no phantom but a spirit of a wizard who played a vital role in the creation of this school."

Shock gripped them all. This couldn't be him, Minerva thought, recalling the dark wizard of the past who sought to purge Muggle-borns. He was the reason behind numerous wars. But before anyone could speak, an elf popped into the chamber, its hat askew and a look of panic on its face. It was the peculiar elf Albus had hired last summer. "Master Slytherin, Dobby has seen the pink-clad woman along with many nefarious wizards entering through the castle gate!"

When Minerva looked at him, Salazar Slytherin smiled—the most chilling smile she had ever witnessed. It promised hell. "Well, we should greet our guests, should we not?" he said smoothly. "Let them through, Dobby." The elf popped away.

"I believe we will have to postpone further discussions. However, I expect a list of your chosen apprentices by the end of this week. They can be either seventh-years or any student you believe would benefit from further education. I also expect proper and respectable behavior from all of you. We must maintain our reputation, after all."