“No doubt we are about to find out.” Without fanfare, Dumbledore slid the Elder Wand from its wrist holster, keeping it ready in his hand.
He remembered all too well who the last heir had been.
Since no other successor was possible, this could only mean one thing: somehow, Tom had found a way to return and finally claim the Lordship that had always eluded him.
Was the conflict about to reignite?
Should he reconvene the Order?
Was it time to retrieve Harry Potter from his Muggle prison and let fate take its course?
As more members filled the chamber, the murmurs grew into a buzz of speculation.
Some voices rose in outrage, others in fascination, and a few dismissed it all as a prank.
When the room was nearly full—save for the newly activated seat—Dumbledore ascended the podium of the Chief Warlock.
“Good morning, Lords and Ladies, witches and wizards of the Wizengamot. Welcome to the 1470th winter solstice session since the establishment of the Albion family magics. This was meant to be a routine gathering, but it appears an ancient family seat has been reactivated.”
A wave of murmuring swept through the chamber.
He tightened his grip on the Elder Wand.
“Would the member bearing the required ring please come forward to take the oath of office before claiming their seat?”
One figure rose.
Dumbledore had to fight to conceal his shock—so much so that he momentarily forgot to remain on guard.
Lady Sunny Greengrass, wife of the Neutral faction’s leader, descended from the visitors’ gallery to the chamber floor, dressed in full Wizengamot regalia.
Emblazoned clearly on her robes for all to see was the crest of Slytherin House.
What did this mean?
Had the Neutrals fallen to the Dark?
That would be catastrophic.
With the Neutrals in their pocket, the Dark faction would—for the first time—command a majority and push through whatever legislation they desired.
A disaster of the highest order.
But… something felt off.
Despite the advanced Occlumency practiced by every member, emotions were plain to read.
The Dark and Light factions looked shocked.
Not a single Neutral appeared surprised.
Lucius Malfoy looked as though he had bitten into something rotten.
What did it all mean?
Dumbledore returned his attention to the elegant blonde witch standing before his podium.
“Lady Greengrass, do you stand here today to accept the seat of Slytherin House on behalf of Lord Slytherin, and to wear his proxy ring?”
She raised her hand, revealing a distinctive silver ring.
“I do.”
“And do you swear upon your family’s honor to uphold the laws, customs, and dignity of this chamber, and to work toward the betterment of all magical kind, both now and in the future?”
“I do.”
“Very well. Please take your seat.”
“Chief Warlock,” Lady Greengrass said, “I believe it is customary for a newly seated member—or their proxy—to address the chamber.”
Dumbledore considered.
This would offer valuable insight into Tom’s current positioning.
Anything that clarified the situation would be useful.
“Very well, Slytherin Proxy Lady Greengrass. You may proceed.”
The newly appointed proxy turned to face the assembled Wizengamot.
“My fellow Lords and Ladies, witches and wizards.
My Lord Slytherin has asked me to deliver this speech on his behalf.
Hogwarts Castle and its school stand as a testament to what one person, supported by true friends, can achieve.
Since that time, many of the greatest witches and wizards of our age have emerged from my house—a fact of which I am immensely proud.
That same notoriety has, for some, become a weapon in itself.
In recent years, it has become fashionable to cloak modern ideologies in the garments of antiquity.
No house has suffered more from this than Slytherin.
It is my intention to work closely with all who identify with my house to restore the honorable and ancient traditions established by Salazar Slytherin.
Those traditions are ambition, drive, and the wisdom to understand both the light and shadow within human nature—and to harness them for great purpose.
These qualities grant those who bear the name Slytherin the potential for true greatness.
And with greatness comes power.
If there is one universal law of power, it is that it reveals the true character of those who wield it.
Above all else, Slytherins must exercise restraint, sound judgment, and—dare I say it—cunning in all their dealings, if they wish to prove themselves worthy of the name.
Those who do so shall truly belong to my house and my family.
Ever since Merlin forged the Albion family magics, the importance of family has been woven into the very fabric of our society.
Those ancient enchantments guide our lives and ensure the continuation of our culture.
The Hogwarts houses are unique among our ancient families in that they welcome members from beyond direct bloodlines or marital unions.
For every witch or wizard who has ever sat upon the Sorting Stool and been called to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin, a trace of Slytherin family magic flows through them forever—regardless of how high they rise or how far they fall.
As Lord Slytherin, head of that Most Ancient and Noble house, it is my deepest wish to see you—the members of my family—rise to greatness.
Who among us does not fight for their family?
Who does not strive to build a future we can proudly pass to our children?
Safeguarding the families of our world is the true legacy of those ancient magics, and I look forward to the day I may pass the torch to future generations, secure in the knowledge that they will carry it well.
Thank you.”