The Fall of Dumbledore: The White King

Return to Hogwarts

Platform 9 ¾ buzzed with its usual start-of-term chaos, though Hades noted subtle differences this year. Parents held their children closer, spoke in hushed whispers, and cast furtive glances at every shadow. The disappearance of Harry Potter and rumors of dark forces rising had left the wizarding world on edge- exactly as planned.

"Mother, please," Draco's exasperated voice drew Hade's attention. Narcissa Malfoy was fussing over her son's collar while Lucius looked on with carefully concealed amusement. "We're not first years anymore."

"Let her fret, Draco," Hades said smoothly, approaching the family. "These are uncertain times, after all."

Narcissa's eyes softened as they fell on him. "Hades, dear. I trust you're prepared for the new term?" The question carried weight beyond its simple words - they all knew this year would be different.

"Completely prepared," he assured her, sharing a knowing look with Lucious. They'd discussed the Ministry's plans for Hogwarts at length during the summer. Dolores Umbridge's appointment was going to make things very interesting indeed.

The Hogwarts Express gleamed scarlet against the steam-filled platform. Pansy and Blaise were already securing their usual compartment, and Theo Nott hovered nearby, still uncertain of his place in their inner circle despite his pledge of loyalty at the summer ball.

"A moment, Hades," Lucious called as the students began boarding. He drew Hades aside, speaking in low tones. "Remember what we discussed. Umbridge may be... difficult, but her presence serves our purpose. Let her create the discord we need."

"Of course," Hades replied "The more control she attempts to exert..."

"The more the students will rebel against the Ministry's authority," Lucious finished with a slight smirk. "And when the time comes..."

"They'll be ready for a change." Hades nodded. "Tom's vision will seem like salvation rather than revolution."

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The train journey passed pleasantly enough. Their compartment became a subtle court, with younger Slytherins dropping by to pay respects and seek favor. Draco sat close enough that their shoulders touched, a casual intimacy that didn't go unnoticed by their friends.

"Did you see the new Defence textbook?" Pansy asked, wrinkling her nose. "It's absolutely basic. 'Defensive Magical Theory' – there isn't a single practical spell in the entire thing."

"How unfortunate," Hades drawled, though his eyes glittered with amusement. "I suppose we'll have to find... alternative means of education."

The great hall was awash with floating candles and nervous chatter when they arrived. Hades took his usual place at the Slytherin table, positioning himself to observe both the staff table and the rest of the hall. Umbridge sat primly in her pink cardigan, looking for all the world like a large, poisonous toad trying to pass as a pet kitten.

Dumbledore's welcome speech was typically grandiose, but Hades focused on the reactions around the hall when Umbridge interrupted. The other teachers' barely concealed disdain, the students' confusion, the growing whispers- it was perfect. Every word out of her mouth about "Ministry-approved teaching methods" and "return to basic principles" pushed them further toward the future Tom had planned.

"Progress for progress's sake must be discouraged," Umbridge simpered, and Hades had to suppress a laugh at the irony. She was doing their work for them, creating the perfect environment for what was to come.

Later, in the Slytherin common room, Draco sprawled across the leather sofa, his head resting in Hades's lap. "Did you see McGonagall's face when Umbridge was speaking? I thought she was going to transfigure her into an actual toad."

"It would have been an improvement," Pansy commented from her armchair, while Blaise chuckled.

"Don't underestimate her," Hades warned, absently running his fingers through Draco's hair. "She may be a fool, but she's a useful fool. Every restriction she implements, every freedom she curtails, serves our purpose."

"The other houses are already talking about resistance," Theo offered from his position by the fire. "I heard the Ravenclaws discussing study groups to learn practical defense."

"Let them," Hades said softly. "Let them believe they're being rebellious. When the time comes, they'll realize just how unprepared they truly are."

The common room gradually emptied as students headed to their dormitories, but Hade's inner circle remained. They had grown comfortable with these late-night strategy sessions, planning and plotting while the rest of the castle slept.

"Father says she'll be implementing new Educational Decrees soon," Draco mentioned, sitting up by staying close to Hades. "Giving her more control over the school."

"Good." Hades's smile was sharp in the firelight. "The tighter she squeezes, the more students will slip through her fingers. And we'll be there to catch them, to show them a better way."

"The old ways," Pansy murmured, understanding dawning in her eyes.

"Exactly." Hades stood, moving to the window that looked into the depths of the lake. Green light filtered through the water, casting shifting shadows across his face. "While Umbridge focuses on controlling their actions, we'll be influencing their minds. While she suppresses their magic, we'll offer them power. And when Tom finally moves..."

"They'll welcome him," Blaise finished, a rare note of admiration in his voice.

Severus found them there an hour later still discussing plans and possibilities. His dark eyes swept over the group, lingering on how close Draco sat to his son, before addressing Hades directly.

"The headmaster wishes to see you tomorrow after classes," he said smoothly. "He's concerned about the impact of the Ministry's interference on the students."

"How thoughtful of him," Hades replied, sharing a knowing look with his father, "I'll be sure to express our... concerns about the situation."

As the others finally headed to bed, Draco lingered behind. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked quietly. "Watching them all dance to your tune while thinking they're following their own steps?"

Hades pulled him closer, pressing a light kiss to his temple. "Of course I am. After all, what's the point of a grand performance if you can't appreciate the choreography?"

The lake waters continued their endless dance against the windows, and somewhere above them, Dolores Umbridge dreamed of power and control, blissfully unaware that her every action was leading Hogwarts exactly where Hades and Tom wanted it to go.