The first day of Umbriidge's tenure as headmistress proved to be a challenging affair. The opulent room of the headmaster, adorned with magnificent tapestries and ancient artefacts, seemed to radiate an air of uncertainty and unease. The animated portraits that lined the walls, depicting former headmasters and mistresses of Hogwarts, buzzed with excitement, eager to engage in lively discussions about this unexpected turn of events.
Among them, Everard, a distinguished-looking wizard with a twinkle in his eye, couldn't help but share a humorous anecdote. "And she was black as soot by the time the crackers ended!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with mirth. The other headmasters nodded and chuckled in amusement, their painted expressions mirroring their shared delight.
However, amidst the light-hearted banter, a red-nosed wizard, his face flushed with indignation, raised his voice. "As intriguing as this conversation may be," he stated firmly, "Hogwarts finds itself in a precarious state, with the Ministry exercising undue control over education and exhibiting blatant corruption!" His words resonated with an undercurrent of anger, drawing the attention of his peers.
"We find ourselves in a predicament, my dear friend," interjected the portrait of Armando Dippet, his voice calm and gentle. "Throughout my extensive memory, I can recall numerous instances where the Ministry and the influential Wizengamot have exerted their influence over the state of education at Hogwarts. This situation we face now is merely the culmination of those years of simmering tensions," he sighed, his eyes betraying a hint of resignation. The other portraits nodded solemnly, acknowledging the truth in his words.
Dilys, a wise and kind-hearted witch with an aura of serenity, spoke softly, her voice carrying a tinge of hope. "Perhaps there is a glimmer of possibility amidst these dark times, Dumbledore will surely lure the dark lord into the open, forcing the ministry to comply" she offered, her eyes sparkling.
"What times we live in! The founders would be rolling in their graves at this facade," commented the portrait of Phineas, shaking his head in disbelief. Amidst the conversation, a voice emerged, capturing the attention of the portraits. It was the sorting hat. Clearing its ethereal throat and spoke with an air of wisdom. "When Hogwarts Castle was first constructed, the four founders embedded fragments of their spirits within the very essence of its protective wards. As the centuries passed and the magic within the castle flourished, it became conceivable that these dormant spirits could be awakened," it revealed, its voice echoing with an ancient authority.
A wave of astonishment rippled through the assembly of portraits. Dilys, her eyes widening in wonder, couldn't contain her amazement. "You mean to say we have the potential to summon the spirits of the esteemed founders?" she gasped, her voice filled with awe. The sorting hat nodded. "Indeed, but I must clarify that we can confidently awaken only one of the founders' spirits," it explained, its voice resonating with certainty.
Everard, his enthusiasm palpable, leaped to his feet. "Then there is no debate! Godric Gryffindor should lead the charge against this tyranny that plagues our beloved school!" he declared with fervor, his voice brimming with conviction. However, Phineas, a portrait emanating an air of intellectual superiority, interjected with a hint of ambition in his voice, "And risk plunging these hallowed halls into a catastrophic war?"
Dilys, her gentle wisdom shining through, ventured another suggestion. "Perhaps Lady Rowena Ravenclaw would be the ideal candidate to guide us," she proposed, her voice carrying the weight of careful consideration. The other portraits nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting a sense of agreement.
Yet, Phineas, unable to suppress his own desires, leaned forward, his hands gripping the edge of his chair. His eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and cunning. "But consider this," he proclaimed, his voice carrying a theatrical flair, "Slytherin, the one who codified the laws of the wizard council and served as its first warlock. We need someone who possesses the cunning and power to break free from the shackles of the Ministry. Teaching duties can be entrusted to any competent witch or wizard, but our salvation lies in someone who can wield authority with astuteness!"
Phineas's declaration sparked a storm of passionate debate among the portraits. Some vehemently disagreed, their voices filled with concern and apprehension. "No!" "Have you lost your mind?" they exclaimed, their painted expressions etched with worry. The room buzzed with conflicting opinions and arguments, the air heavy with tension.
Suddenly, the sorting hat's voice cut through the fervor, commanding the attention of the passionate debaters. "I did not claim that the decision lies solely within your hands," it declared with a hint of solemnity. "The choice depends on whose magic and spirit are intimately entwined with the castle's wards. Only then can we hope for the awakening of their spirit and the reclamation of Hogwarts"
The portraits fell silent, their voices quelled by the wisdom of the sorting hat. Their eyes fixed upon the ancient artefact, anticipation hanging in the air like a tangible presence. A magical light emitted from the tip of the hat, weaving its way towards the Pensieve. As the Pensieve and the sorting hat embraced in a radiant glow, an explosion of vibrant colours enveloped the room. The portraits instinctively shielded their heads with their hands, their human-like psychology surfacing in response to the overwhelming spectacle.
Gradually, as the dazzling display subsided, silence reclaimed the chamber. The headmasters dared to lower their hands and cast their eyes upon the pensieve once more. To their astonishment, a man stood before them, his figure ethereal and translucent. Yet, his presence emanated a vivid aura, vibrant shades of green intertwining with his form. Phineas Nigellus Black's laughter of joy echoed through the chamber, his serpentine green eyes gleaming with delight. The newcomer surveyed his surroundings, his chilling smile capturing the essence of power and determination that hung in the air.
