Darkness on the Horizon

Prologue

I stood in the ministry beside Tom as he gave yet another speech. I had stopped listening to his speeches as they were all about why certain changes were happening in the wizarding world. For example, squibs were to be studied to figure out why they didn't have magic. He wanted to help them unlike Dumbledore who basically ignored that part of them. Once his speech finished I followed him as he walked back to his office. I had become a permanent fixture when it came to Tom. He never went anywhere without me. In some ways I suspected he was training me to take his place in the future.

"Isabelle, have you seen the papers?" Tom asked as soon as his office door shut.

"The ones talking about Hogwarts?" I asked as he nodded solemnly.

"Severus is struggling with some of the students and grades have been plummeting which makes me look incompetent even though it isn't Severus's fault," Tom ranted. I reached over grabbing his arm calming him. The Horcrux living inside me made it easier for me to calm Tom which is part of the reason we were so close.

"I can go to Hogwarts. I could fill the Dark Arts position," I told him softly. "It would allow me to figure out what the problems are."

"Are you sure you want to go. You will have to deal with Minerva. She's still teaching at the school. She's the best at her position," Tom said causing me to raise an eyebrow.

"You gave her a pardon?" I asked as he nodded.

"I keep a close eye on her but yes I did. She seemed like she wouldn't cause any issues for us," Tom said firmly. I didn't agree but held my tongue.

"I'll deal with her fine," I stated as he gazed at me.

"Fine. You will go to Hogwarts," he said firmly. "You will also have to fill the head of Slytherin house position as I'm sure you are aware," Tom said. I nodded. I was slightly terrified but knew I could handle the children.

"I'll head over today and speak with Severus," I stated as Tom nodded. I apperated over to Hogwarts landing outside Severus's office. I knocked on his door waiting to be invited in.

"Come in," he said grumpily. I frowned as I pushed the door open. He barely looked up once I entered the room instead he kept his face buried in the stack of mail in front of him. "Are you here to remove me as Headmaster?" He asked after a few minutes of silence stretched between us.

"No. I would never. I'm here to offer my assistance. This isn't your fault Sev," I told him firmly. "I want to fill the Dark Arts position."

"Why would you want to become a teacher, at 23," he asked me turning his attention fully to me.

"I'm not particularly fond of the idea but you need help. And Tom is getting pressured from the public to remove you. Neither of us want you removed when the school's standings aren't your fault. I don't think people realize how little Gryffindor is following the rules," I told him simply.

"Fine. You have the position but if you need any help don't hesitate," Severus said as I smiled.

"Great. Where is my room?" I asked as Severus called out.

"Winky," he said. An Elf appeared before me.

"Yes Headmaster," the Elf smiled.

"Show Professor Malfoy to her quarters please," he said stressing the word Professor causing me to grin.

"Yes sir. Right this way Professor," Winky said cheerfully leading me from the room. I gave Severus a wave as I stepped into the hallway. The Elf led me to a portrait near the potions classroom. I obviously needed to be close in case any of my little snakes needed something after curfew.

"Thank you Winky," I smiled as the elf bowed.

"If Miss needs anything else call for Winky," she said before apperating away. I faced the portrait which asked for a password.

"Toujours Pur," I said firmly thinking of that side of my family. I am a Malfoy but I couldn't deny the Black side of me. I had the Black family temper as well as the Black family rebellious streak. The Portrait smiled at me. "Also if any of my little Snakes come let them in. My door is open should any of the children need it once school starts."

"Welcome to Hogwarts Professor," the man in the portrait said before swinging open. I stepped into my suite with a smile. There was a sitting room in the front. It had two white couches and a black armchair. In the middle of the room was a glass coffee table as well as a small bookcase in the corner.

I walked into the bedroom to find a bed with silver sheets and green curtains on the window. The window overlooked Black Lake. Along the left wall was a gorgeous dark oak desk where I could work on students' papers. Again there was another bookcase. I grinned seeing a small private bathroom attached. I sat on the bed before I heard a crack. I looked over to see a paper on my desk.

Dear Professor Malfoy,
I need your list of books for the year by noon today. Minerva is gathering information to send out to the students tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Severus

I groaned at the page before I got up heading to the books in the room. Most of them were labeled for each year. I figured I would look at what the former Professor was using and see what books are up to my standards. I decided I didn't want more than 2-3 books per year as I dreaded reading books when I was in school. I flipped through the books quickly and decided to keep the books the same. I quickly grabbed a piece of parchment writing down my list separating it by year. I added one book to the first year list called Dark Arts, myths and facts. (A/N: I made up the book title 😂)

I waved my wand sending the note to Professor Snape before I decided to wander the grounds as well as to locate my actual classroom and office since Dark Arts is a relatively new elective. I smiled seeing my office was next to the classroom. Both of which were in the Dungeons. At least I wouldn't have to walk far. I entered my office seeing three chairs in front of the desk and a leather one behind the desk. I had a floo link in the far corner of the room. The rest of the room was pretty bare but I liked how spacious the room was. I exited the room after a few minutes before I walked towards the great hall. I didn't make it far before I heard a gasp. I turned to see Minerva standing a few feet from me staring at me.

"Hello Professor," I greeted her politely trying to honor my promise to Tom about being civil with her.

"Miss Malfoy. What are you doing here?" She asked with shock on her face.

"I'm the new Professor of the Dark Arts," I said with a friendly smile on my lips.

"Well welcome," she said stiffly. It was funny watching as she held back her hatred for me.

"Thank you and I look forward to working with you this year," I said simply. "I assume you are in charge of scheduling."

"Yes I am," she said as I stepped towards her.

"I had some ideas about how to mend the divide between the students when you have a moment," I told her.

"I can meet with you in an hour," she said as I nodded.

"Great. I'll come to your office then," I said before I turned finishing my journey to the great hall.