The pompous face of Cornelius Fudge was a less welcome sight, even worse was the smug look on Umbridge's as she, along with four aurors, arrived into the headmaster's chambers.

The other professors had left upon Salazar Slytherin's command, and Severus Snape had given Minerva McGonagall a pointed look that promised a future discussion. "I would like for you to stay deputy headmistress," Slytherin had asked, and she had silently complied.

"I see," Fudge began. "So this is the phantom who has overtaken the school, is this your clever disguise, Dumbledore?"

"Indeed, Minister," Umbridge simpered. "He has been obstructing myself from running the school."

Minerva shared a quick look with Kingsley Shacklebolt, attempting to communicate. He merely gave an imperceptible nod.

"Cornelius Oswald Fudge, I am glad you have taken out the time from your busy task of governing this nation to meet with myself," Slytherin said. "It is my wish to set into motion a complete revamping of the school's policies, and as such, the Ministry no longer has any command over the workings of the school."

Fudge's face turned red. "By what right do you think you can give me commands? Whatever games you are playing, Dumbledore, they are at an end! Cease him!"

The aurors moved forward, Dawlish firing a stunner at the ghost, only for the spell to glide through it. Kingsley realized this and said in his deep voice, "Minister, aurors are not capable of ceasing ghosts."

Fudge stuttered, "But... but he is Dumbledore! It's just a clever disguise!"

"I assure you it is not," said Slytherin. "I am Salazar Slytherin, my spirit has been reincarnated by Hogwarts in this time of need. As an esteemed figure, I would have expected a more civil discussion, but it seems incompetency runs deep in your institution."

Gobsmacked, Fudge stepped back, still stuttering. Even the aurors, except Kingsley, seemed unsettled. When Kingsley looked at McGonagall, she nodded, providing proof that Slytherin's words were true.

Suddenly, Slytherin glided forward, glaring down at Fudge, a cold, murderous look in his eyes. The room itself seemed to lose heat as he said in a soft, dangerous voice, "It is my desire that external forces no longer plague the sanctity of these hallowed halls. This is a place to pursue magical knowledge and nurture younglings, not for political games. If you take any action which are to harm the school or its body, I assure you, it will be the end of yourself and whoever aids you."

By now, Fudge was shaking. "Am I clear?"

Fudge did not say a word, still shaking. A soft whimper caught McGonagall's attention. Umbridge, shaking from fear, was hiding behind Kingsley.

"Minister?" Slytherin questioned.

"Y-y-yes, yes indeed," Fudge stammered.

"Good. Now leave. I have other tasks to complete."

Minerva was surprised with the speed the entire party left. Kingsley gave her a pointed look and left as well.

"As I informed you, Headmaster," Phineas Nigellus Black's tone brought McGonagall's attention to Slytherin, who was gazing at the portraits. "The Ministry is run by a bunch of buffoons."

"So it would seem," Slytherin commented.

For McGonagall, it was a lot to take in: the reincarnation of the founder who had once left this school, the removal of Umbridge so suddenly, and the uncertain future ahead. What would Albus say? she wondered.

"Now, Professor McGonagall, we have much to discuss," Slytherin spoke, bringing her out of her thoughts. His gaze steady, she could already sense that he was already many steps ahead of all of them.