The Fifth Founder

Chapter Three – The Parting Of The Ways   

Shining through

I see your true colours

And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid to let them show

Your true colours

True colours are beautiful,

Like a rainbow

(True Colours - Tom Kelly/Billy Steinberg)

      The next morning Rowena went running to Helga’s room. As she reached the door, she muttered a spell and immediately tears sprung to her eyes and started to fall down her cheeks. She knocked on the door. Helga’s sleepy voice answered her. ‘ Hello? What time is it? Did I sleep in?’    ‘No, it’s still early.’   ‘Rowena? Is that you? What’s wrong?’   ‘Can I come in? I’ve got something to tell you, it’s kind of personal and I don’t think you’ll like it.’   ‘Sure, come right in.’ Rowena opened the door and saw Helga sitting up in bed, her hair tousled from sleep, and rubbing her eyes. ‘Oh, Helga, I’m so so sorry ’   ‘ What? Why? What happened? This isn’t the name thing is it, because that really doesn’t matter you know.’   ‘No, it’s not that oh Helga, it’s Oliver.’   ‘What? What’s wrong with him? What happened to him? Is he ok?’   ‘He’s fine as far as I know But Helga, he he made a pass at me.’   ‘WHAT? You’re lying, he would never do that would he?’   ‘Helga, it happened last night, after you went to bed, he made me come into his room and ’ Rowena burst tears again, courtesy of her spell.    ‘Oh. Ro, I’m so sorry. What can I do? I don’t want to see him again, ever.’   ‘I can get Godric to denounce him as a founder, and we’ll find someone else, or set up the school with three founders? If that’s what you want?’ A sneaky idea had just occurred to Rowena If she could get Helga to propose Salazar as the fourth founder herself, then Godric couldn’t say that it had anything to do with her!    ‘I don’t know what I want’ Helga sighed, ‘ I just don’t want to see him again.’        Later that day, Godric called the four Founders together. ‘It has come to my knowledge that there has been some discord between the four of us, and that one in particular is the cause of it. Therefore, I have decided that a vote should be taken to determine whether Oliver Ollivander should remain one of the founders of this school. Please say yes or no. ‘   ‘No’   ‘No’    ‘In that case, the majority has decided that Oliver Ollivander is no longer welcome here. You have until sundown to leave.’ Oliver walked slowly out of the room, his head down. As he walked through the doorway, he turned back and glanced at Helga, who had tears streaming down her face. He gave what sounded like a choked sob and stumbled out of the room and out of their lives. ‘So, now we have to decide what we are going to do. Can anyone think of a fourth person to become a founder with us? We need someone who will uphold the values that this school will stand for. Any suggestions?’   ‘Salazar.’ Rowena and Godric both looked in shock at Helga.    ‘Salazar Slytherin?’ asked Godric.    ‘Yes.’    ‘Well, we have to take a vote on it. Again, yes or no?’   ‘Yes.’ Said Helga. Rowena looked thoughtful and then:   ‘Yes.’ Godric looked dazed, and said:   ‘Therefore, Salazar Slytherin is the fourth founder. Rowena, I am presuming that you can get in contact with him and let him know. We need his input as soon as possible.’   Godric walked quickly and quietly out of the room and went to find Oliver. As he got to his room, Oliver came out, his bags packed. ‘Ollie, Oliver, wait, please, I have to talk to you.’   ‘What is it Godric, I just want to get out of here.’ He looked tired and strained and utterly miserable.   ‘I just wanted to ask you what happened. I mean, I don’t see what could have made you cheat on Helga, much less with Rowena.’   ‘I don’t know, Helga had stormed off and Rowena, well she was there I guess. And it just seemed that it was what I should do. I never planned on being thrown out of the castle.’   ‘Oliver, what happened to you? I thought that you were a decent wizard, but now now I can tell that you’re no better than than Salazar.’   ‘Think that of me if you will Godric, but mark my words, there will be a day when you will regret doing this. Have you found a fourth yet?’   ‘Yes, we have. It so happens that Salazar Slytherin will be taking your place.’   ‘Well, whatever happens, I will always remember this, but now I will be hoping for your deliverance from the path that you have set yourself upon. Salazar will be no good for this school. When it goes wrong, remember these words and my warning to you Godric. Salazar wants nothing but his own advancement.’ With that, Oliver Ollivander walked out of the castle and out of their knowledge.         Salazar arrived the next morning. Rowena and Helga stood to meet him at the front of the castle. When he drew up to the entrance, Rowena spoke a few words of welcome to him while Helga stood and nodded in agreement. ‘Salazar, you have been appointed the Fourth Founder of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, your influence is needed to guide the pupils of this school toward the right path. We welcome you and hope you will fulfil the purpose that has drawn you here.’   ‘Thank you Rowena, and you Helga. I am deeply distressed at the circumstances that have drawn me to this place, but I will do all I can to set things right again. Where is Godric?’   ‘We don’t know. He disappeared after our meeting yesterday, and we haven’t seen him since. The only thing we know is that he is still in the castle.’ Helga answered quietly.   ‘But don’t let that spoil your arrival, he will appear in due course. Let me show you your room.’ Rowena said, leading Salazar into the castle.