The incident of Dementors boarding the Hogwarts Express had a massive impact. Plenty of young witches and wizards saw them firsthand.
The Dementors were there to hunt for Sirius Black, with the full approval of the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry had sternly warned them not to attack the students, but expecting a bunch of soulless creatures like Dementors to follow rules was wishful thinking. Happiness was their food, and they weren't picky about where they found it.
"I think we should write home about this," Draco said, his usual polished demeanor gone. His face was pale as he cursed under his breath. A Dementor had just barged into his compartment, but thankfully, Draco's knowledge was sharp enough to recognize it instantly.
With a shaky, half-mastered Patronus Charm, he'd managed to drive the Dementor out. But the encounter still left him rattled, his energy drained.
"You okay?" he asked, turning to a trembling girl behind him.
The compartment was packed with Slytherins: Goyle, Crabbe, Pansy, Daphne, and her younger sister, Astoria—the girl Draco was checking on. Astoria had long, cascading golden hair, blue eyes, and dimples that showed when she smiled.
"I-I'm fine. Thank you," she stammered, her face even paler than Draco's, if that was possible. Younger witches and wizards were more vulnerable to Dementors, and even with Draco's protection, Astoria had felt their chilling effect.
"We'll hold a meeting for all of Slytherin tonight once we get to Hogwarts," Pansy declared, her face grim. She'd been spooked by the Dementor too, and if Draco hadn't stepped up, things could've been much worse.
The Hogwarts Express was filled with young witches and wizards—the future of the wizarding world. What was the Ministry thinking, letting Dementors board the train? Were they out of their minds?
"Here, have some hot cocoa," Draco said, passing a steaming mug he'd bought from the trolley to Astoria. "It'll help you feel better."
"Thank you," she said softly, taking a sip. The warmth spread through her, easing her shivers and lifting her spirits a bit. She stole a glance at Draco but quickly looked down at her mug, like a startled rabbit, when their eyes met.
"How do you know the Patronus Charm?" Pansy asked, curious.
Draco had changed a lot over the past couple of years. He'd grown steadier, more capable, outshining most older students and positioning himself as Slytherin's top dog—second only to Dudley.
"Dudley had someone teach me," Draco said plainly, not hiding anything. "Shame my Patronus isn't fully formed yet, or that foul thing wouldn't have gotten anywhere near us."
"As expected of Mr. Dursley!" the Slytherins in the compartment chorused, genuinely impressed.
---
Meanwhile, in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, Dumbledore fixed Fudge with a stern glare, his usual warmth absent. "Cornelius, do you realize what the Dementors just did?" he said sharply. "They boarded the Hogwarts Express!"
"It's full of children!"
"We have to catch Sirius Black as soon as possible, or I'm finished," Fudge tried to argue.
"They're angry about his escape. They swore they'd find him!"
"Cornelius," Dumbledore said, rubbing his throbbing temples with exasperation, "Dementors don't have emotions. They don't feel anger."
"They're just looking for an excuse to leave Azkaban."
"The Ministry can barely control their numbers in Azkaban. Do you really think you can manage them once they're out here?"
"Albus, I'm out of options," Fudge pleaded, looking desperate. "For the sake of our years of friendship, help me out. The Dementors promised they'd leave once Sirius is caught. Until then, let them guard Hogwarts. I'm begging you."
Dumbledore reluctantly agreed. Even if he refused, Fudge, as Minister for Magic—theoretically the most powerful wizard in Britain—could force the issue. Hogwarts was under Ministry oversight, and despite Dumbledore's ability to shake up the wizarding world, he'd sworn to steer clear of power struggles. He was, after all, the greatest white wizard of their time. He was Dumbledore.
---
Outside Hogwarts' towering gates, two Dementors stood guard, their chilling aura making passing students shiver involuntarily.
"It's unbelievable that creatures as dark as Dementors are allowed to waltz into Hogwarts," one student muttered.
"We need to demand answers from Dumbledore and Fudge. What are they playing at?"
The mood across all four houses was grim, but Slytherin's faces were particularly sour. The Dementors' presence made Hogwarts feel less like a school and more like Azkaban. Even those destined to become dark wizards had no desire to experience Azkaban's horrors.
Dementors didn't care about house affiliations or pleasantries. They didn't know mercy or manners. Several students on the train had already been affected by their attacks, though, thankfully, no one had been seriously hurt—yet.
---
In the Great Hall, packed with students, the Sorting Ceremony began. One by one, new witches and wizards were sorted into their houses. When the last student was placed, Dumbledore stood, his expression unusually grave.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! I have a few words to share, one matter being particularly serious."
"Our school is currently hosting several Dementors from Azkaban, here on Ministry business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds. No one is to leave the school without permission. Dementors cannot be fooled by tricks or disguises."
"They do not understand pleas or excuses, so I warn each of you: give them no reason to harm you."
Dumbledore stressed the point, though the students, having already witnessed the Dementors' power on the train, didn't need convincing. Their mere presence was enough to keep everyone in line.
"This year, I'm delighted to welcome two new professors to our staff," Dumbledore continued, about to introduce the new teachers.
But then, a familiar icy chill swept through the Great Hall.
The Dementors had entered Hogwarts Castle.
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