Hearts and Hourglasses

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter One: The Sorting Hat

Harry Potter, now in his fifth year at Hogwarts, hummed softly as he walked down the hall to the stone gargoyle that marked the entrance to the Headmaster's office. He had wanted to talk to Dumbledore about Cedric. As he reached his destination, he suddenly remembered that he needed the password to gain access.

However, Harry wasn't stumped. Knowing Dumbledore, all he had to do was go through a list of candies and sweets, and one of them was bound to be the correct password. At the twelfth confectionery delight, which was Fizzing Whizbees, (Are there actually Billywig stings in them? Harry wondered in a corner of his mind) the gargoyle jumped aside and let Harry pass.

Entering the Headmaster's office, Harry couldn't help but feel just the slightest bit impertinent. He doubted there was another student beside him who would dare impose on Dumbledore's time. Perhaps, he was getting too used to the fact that he was *the* Harry Potter, and thus was more then an ordinary Hogwarts student and was accorded extra privileges.

Harry definitely didn't like the idea and suddenly regretted coming straight here even though he truly felt that he needed someone to talk to about Cedric. He just couldn't open up to either Ron or Hermione. Even talking to Sirius about Cedric felt too hard.

Unfortunately, the Headmaster wasn't in his office, and Harry breathed a sigh of disappointment mixed with relief. Upon reaching the office, he suddenly felt that talking to Dumbledore about Cedric would be too difficult and painful.

Harry turned to leave the office when he noticed something that made him pause. Behind Dumbledore's desk, on its shelf, the Sorting Hat was glowing. Harry couldn't recall ever seeing it glow before. Naturally curious, Harry went to it, passing the portraits of wizards and witches who were sleeping as always. There was a soft squawk, and Harry jumped a little, startled when Fawkes, the Phoenix, landed on his shoulder.

"Oh, hi, Fawkes," Harry said with a smile, reaching up a hand to pat Fawke's head. The Phoenix nipped Harry's earlobe gently. He seemed happy to see Harry, who was also pleased to see Fawkes as well. The firebird was a reassuring weight on his shoulder as he walked around the desk to stand in front of the Sorting Hat, which was still glowing.

"What you think, Fawkes?" Harry asked the Phoenix, "Do you think I should put it on?" Fawkes fluffed up his feathers then began grooming them with his beak. Harry grinned, guessing that meant that it was all right since Fawkes didn't seem to think it was dangerous. But then, how could the Sorting Hat be dangerous?

Eager to distract himself, Harry reached out, picked up the Sorting Hat and placed it on his head. Not surprisingly, it was still much too large for him. The hat rim slid down over his eyes as it always did. The inside of the hat was also glowing, and Harry blinked, waiting for the hat to say something to him. Like perhaps to explain why it was glowing.

Suddenly, he froze. Words had appeared before his eyes, written on the inner side of the Sorting Hat.

Hello.

Harry blinked again and after a second returned the greeting. "Hello," he said hesitantly.

Ah! Wonderful! You must be one of mine then.

One of yours? Harry wondered, but the Hat ignored his question for it wrote.

Do you have a Source?

Source? Thought Harry, bewildered. What source? When there was no reply from the Hat, Harry cleared his throat and asked, "What's a source?"

A Source, you know. A wand perhaps. I prefer wands, but a sword would do just as well though I find those things cumbersome. Quite barbaric really, but they do work though I would prefer if you have a harp or a lute, perhaps a pipe or a flute. The most marvelous of all magic truly, music. I must confess I fall very short in song making even though I wish deepest in my heart that I could hold a tune.

Harry's eyes were starting to ache as he tried to keep up with the quickly scrolling words.

Mayhaps you have a staff? Or a rod? Or a switch? Or a broom? They are dreadfully useful, those sticks. I still favor wands, but sticks are definitely better than swords, don't you think? Plowshares are better than swords, I do say, and you can still bludgeon an enemy with them. Swords, on the other hand, cannot till a field. Only good for mutilating, I dare say-

"I have a wand!" Shouted Harry, wanting the Hat to stop writing for a while. Not only were his eyes burning, his head was also aching. He suddenly heard a familiar unearthly song and sighed in relief when his vision cleared, and his headache was soothed. "Thanks, Fawkes," Harry breathed gratefully, lifting a hand to touch the Phoenix' soft feathers. Another line of words was forming inside the hat.

Is Fawkes a Phoenix?

"Yes," answered Harry, feeling surprised. The Hat could hear Fawkes?

Lovely! A Phoenix is much better than a wand. You don't happen to have a unicorn nearby, do you? A dragon perhaps?

This Hat is bonkers, thought Harry quite plainly, but he wasn't able to say anything else for the Hat had written more.

Never mind. The Phoenix, Fawkes isn't it?, will do. Can you kindly please ask him for a feather?

At which point Harry pulled the Sorting Hat from his head and stared at it with disbelief. What in the world is this Hat up to?! Harry glanced at Fawkes who had resumed preening his feathers. The Phoenix seemed to know that Harry was looking at him for it stopped at once and looked back at Harry.

"... The Sorting Hat would like one of your feathers, Fawkes," Harry said slowly, feeling a little foolish. From what he gathered, the firebirds were possessive of their feathers. Fawkes here, Harry knew, had given only two feathers. Both of them had gone to Mr. Ollivander to be made into wands.

Was it Harry's imagination or did Fawkes' eyes sharpened? For a tense moment, Harry thought he was going to get pecked, then Fawkes suddenly flew off and went back to his perch behind beside the door.

Well, that's it, thought Harry, feeling a little disappointed. Sorry, Sorting Hat. Suddenly, something shiny floated down before his eyes. Harry quickly caught it. It was a Phoenix feather. Fawkes had given him a feather, and it was magnificent. The feather seemed like pure gold, glittering in the light and dazzling Harry's eyes. It was a feather from Fawkes' tail and as long as Harry's arm.

Harry smiled widely. "Thanks, Fawkes," he whispered as he hastily crammed the Sorting Hat back on his head. "I got your feather," Harry told the Hat excitedly. He was very curious on what the Hat would do with a Phoenix Feather.

Thank goodness! I thought you had left.

"I had to talk with Fawkes," said Harry.

You have one of its feathers, correct?

"Yes," answered Harry.

Please drop it into the Hat.

Automatically, Harry pulled off the Sorting Hat and turned it upside down. Just as he had dropped the Phoenix feather into it, a cold thought suddenly occurred to him. The Hat had told him to drop the feather into the Hat, not into its self!

Alarmed, Harry tried to fish out the feather but it was too late. Bright lights shot out of the Sorting Hat and blinded him. He stepped back instinctively and yelped when his foot slipped, causing him to lose his balance. As he fell to the floor, Harry felt the Hat jerk out of his hand.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Two: The Founders

"Yes, it worked!" Harry heard someone shout, and he rubbed at his eyes before opening them to see the back of a tall thin silver-haired man standing in front of him.

"Oh no...," Harry heard someone else say, "It actually worked..." Whoever it was sounded stunned and wary.

"Hah!" The man in front of him said in a very satisfied tone of voice, "Pay up, Godric, you lost!"

Harry's eyes widened. Godric? The bad feeling he had worsened fourfold.

"And just how am I suppose to pay you, Salazar?" Said Godric, while Harry's stomach sank, "Or did you include for us to bring money in your spell? Didn't you say we couldn't even bring our sources?"

Salazar, the man standing directly in front of Harry, paused. "Oh..." He sounded sheepish, then he said smartly, "Regardless, I won the wager. Admit it, Godric."

Harry heard a reluctant consenting sound from Godric. Then someone else said, "Thank goodness, we have our clothes at least." It was a warm and an amused feminine voice.

"I wouldn't allow it otherwise," another woman said, this one stronger and stricter, "and fortunately for you as well, Salazar."

"Why are you picking on me, Helga..." Salazar, much to Harry's disbelief, actually sounded doleful. "That's Godric's hobby," he added tritely.

"That's because Godric doesn't go around bending and breaking rules," Helga said severely. "For a grown man, your behavior is worse than a twelve year old."

Salazar sniffled, making Harry choke as he said in a hurt tone, "Here, I have just accomplished something no wizard or witch has ever done before in the history of magic, and all you three do is criticize me..."

"I'm not criticizing you, Salazar," said the unnamed woman immediately, but Harry knew it could be none other than Rowena Ravenclaw.

"Thank you very much, Rowena," said Salazar affectionately. Harry's stomach cramped. He was in so much trouble.

"Oh..." Salazar paused. "Where is the one who brought us here...?"

At that moment, Harry wished he could disappear or at least turn invisible. (Why didn't I bring my Invisibility Cloak?!) His back pressed against the wall when Salazar turned and saw him.

"There you are!" laughed Salazar while Harry stared at him, utterly amazed. This wasn't the face of Salazar Slytherin he had expected. This man's face was lively and clean-shaven, not at all like the old monkeyish bearded visage on the statue he had seen in the Chamber of Secrets. And the most startling thing of all was his emerald green eyes that twinkled mischievously at Harry.

Harry's jaw dropped, and a soft strangled scream came out of his mouth. Salazar's brilliant green eyes widened with concern. "Are you hurt, boy?" He said gently, kneeling down in front of Harry. Harry quickly shook his head, still gaping at Salazar Slytherin.

"Salazar, is he all right?" Rowena asked, and Salazar glanced back to his companions. "He's all right. Just overcome with the excitement of meeting yours truly," he said blandly.

"Ye gads!" exclaimed Godric, "Your head cannot possibly get any bigger."

"At least *mine* is bigger than yours, Godric."

"Salazar!" Helga reproached, and over Salazar's shoulder, Harry could see Rowena Ravenclaw blush prettily. She noticed him staring and smiled at him warmly. No wonder the Sorting Hat referred to her as Fair Ravenclaw, for beautiful she was indeed. Slender and delicate with long straight honey-brown hair that fell neatly from her shoulders as she kneeled beside Salazar; gentle blue eyes looked at Harry with concern.

"You fell down," she murmured, "does anything hurt?"

Harry shook his head again quickly, fighting to keep his cheeks from reddening. "I f-fine," he said haltingly.

Salazar chortled. "Another conquest for Ravenclaw!" He declared, earning a poke in the shoulder from Rowena. "Stop it, Salazar, or I shan't speak to you again!" But Harry could see she didn't at all mind being teased by Salazar Slytherin. Was there something between them... Harry wondered wildly.

"Beside," Rowena said, pretending to frown at Salazar, "He's one of yours, I believe."

"Oh yes..." Salazar grinned. "Indeed." He looked back at Harry, who immediately shook his head. "No," blurted Harry, "I'm not a Slytherin." He expected an ugly look to appear on Salazar's face at this revelation, but Salazar blinked and just looked mildly disappointed.

"Not a Slytherin? Too bad. Too bad. Best House you know." He tutted then asked in a curious tone when Harry didn't then inform them which House he belonged in, "What House are you in then, stranger?"

Harry straightened and lifted his chin proudly. "My name is Harry Potter. Sir," he added the title after a short pause, "I am a Gryffindor."

Stunned silence greeted this announcement, and it was Godric who finally broke the quiet. "How can one of mine be a Parselmouth... Salazar! You cheated, didn't you!?"

"No, I didn't! The writing inside the Hat was in Parseltongue as per the conditions of our wager, and I didn't read his mind either."

"Salazar, you are a lying conniving bastard," said Godric bluntly, "you would do anything to get your way."

This time, Harry really did expect Salazar to be angered by this. What he didn't expect though was Salazar exhaling air loudly, standing up and picking up Harry by his shoulders and turning around to present Harry to Godric Gryffindor.

Harry stared at the man who was the founder of his House. Godric Gryffindor wasn't as tall as Salazar Slytherin, and whereas the latter bordered on skinny, Godric was compact and well built. His hair was as fiery red as the Weasley's and rather unruly. His face was squarish; the well-cropped beard he favored no doubt concealed a firm jaw. His clear hazel eyes were direct and focused intently on Harry, who thought of him as akin to King Arthur of Camelot. Harry could easily imagine him holding the sword Harry had used to kill the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry blinked when Salazar nudged him in the back. "Go on," the Slytherin founder said, "say something in Parseltongue." Harry almost snorted then. This was something he would never expect, even in his wildest dream, Slytherin urging him to say something in snake language to Gryffindor.

Oh... very well then. Maybe this is all a crazy dream, thought Harry, I hope. Pulling his lips back, he hissed something to Godric, who, as Harry expected, frowned, his face darkening in anger as he looked from Harry to Salazar. Of course, how could Godric tell if Harry was indeed speaking in Parseltongue since he didn't know the language himself. It was a conundrum.

"He said he is very honored to meet you, Lord Gryffindor." Harry twisted his head and stared at Rowena, who had translated exactly what he had hissed at Godric.

"... You understand Parseltongue..." Harry said in awe.

Rowena shrugged, bestowing another smile on him. "Salazar taught me Parseltongue," she said simply.

Salazar chuckled. "She is intelligent enough to learn the snake tongue. ... Oh, don't give me that look, Godric. I did try to teach you and Helga."

"This still doesn't explain why a Gryffindor can speak Parseltongue," Godric said, still suspicious.

"Perhaps," said Helga slowly, who had been quiet for a while, "Salazar channeled his power to him through the Hat."

"Oh you two," complained Salazar, finally sounding sharp as Harry expected him to be originally, "if it was that easy to teach the snake tongue, I would have made an army of Parselmouths long ago." Harry didn't have the heart to inform Salazar that power transferring was how Harry came to know how to speak Parseltongue.

"Salazar is right," said Rowena, "it took ages for me to even understand simple expressions." She blushed red when Helga looked at her beadily and said, "Was that all you two were doing during those late-night sessions? Just learning Parseltongue?"

"Helga, stop teasing me!" Rowena clearly didn't take teasing from Helga as well as she took Salazar's jesting. Harry looked at the fourth Founder, Helga Hufflepuff, and found himself being observed just as intently. Helga was a short woman, a little on the plump side with curly blond hair and alert black eyes. Those eyes twinkled when she smiled at Harry, reminding him of Hagrid's eyes.

Godric and Salazar were still arguing over Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue.

"I am telling you this only once more, Godric. I did not break any terms of our agreement. The boy understood Parseltongue before he put on the Hat."

"Salazar," said Godric dryly, "even you would admit that a Gryffindor who can speak snake tongue is very unlikely, even impossible."

Salazar sighed. "I know. I know, Godric. Gryffindors simply do not have enough brains-"

"Watch it, Salazar."

"Apologies. Force of habit, you know... Egad! I just had a frightening thought!"

"What?"

"Obviously," reasoned Salazar with a dead-pan expression, "our two Houses must have gotten closer over the last millennium."

Godric snorted and so did Harry.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Three: Dragons and Wagers

"I don't understand," Harry said to Rowena. He was sitting in one of the armchairs in front of Dumbledore's desk with Lady Ravenclaw sitting in the other chair in front of him.

"How did the four of you get here?" Harry swallowed, nervously glancing at Salazar examining the silver instruments on the tables, at Godric staring at his sword in its glass case (Fawkes was perched on his shoulder) and at Helga looking at the portraits of previous Hogwarts headmasters and mistresses still dozing in their picture frames. Nothing seemed to wake them.

He felt a light touch on his hand and looked back at Rowena who gave him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault," she said gently, "so don't be worried."

Harry stared at her. How did she know he was feeling guilty about all of this? It was true he was blaming himself for causing even more trouble at Hogwarts. He dreaded having to explain to Dumbledore how he pulled the Four Founders from the Sorting Hat. He didn't want to think about the consequences of what he had done.

"But," Harry blurted, "the four of you shouldn't be here!" He stopped himself from saying they had lived and died more than a thousand years ago. That really wasn't a polite thing to say. A most horrid thought suddenly occurred to Harry. If he pulled the Hogwarts Founders here into the present, then they weren't in the past. He had ruined history!

"Please be calm, Harry," Rowena said soothingly, placing a cool hand on Harry's sweaty and feverish forehead. Harry felt her pause; her fingers gently traced the lightning scar Voldemort had given him. "This is a very powerful curse," she said softly, and Harry jerked his head away from her hand. He had the suspicion that she could read minds, and he definitely didn't want her reading what was in his head.

Slowly, Rowena lowered her hand and placed it back on her lap. "It's all right, Harry, we're not the real Founders so you haven't changed history."

"... Huh?"

Rowena gestured at herself and at her companions. "We're just memories of the real Founders," she explained.

And suddenly, it all made sense to Harry. "Like a diary?" He questioned quickly, looking at Godric, who was holding the decrepit Sorting Hat in his hand, then back to Rowena. They had put some brains in it, didn't they? Putting their memories in the Hat would be child's play to them. Tom Riddle had done the same as a student at Hogwarts.

Rowena smiled at him brilliantly and nodded. Wonderful relief spread quickly through Harry, who collapsed back in his chair and felt so much better. Tampering with time was a very serious offense within and out of the Wizarding World. So much more was kidnapping people from the past, especially very important people like the Hogwarts Four.

"But if you are memories," Harry asked, "how come the four of you are solid?" This level of magic was so much more advanced then Voldemort's diary. These people looked and felt wholly like flesh and blood individuals.

It was Salazar who answered Harry, looking very pleased and proud. "The Phoenix feather," he explained in a quick and excited voice, "gave form to our memories. Any Source would do, like your wand, Harry. But pure and freshly harvested magical substances works better since it will last longer."

Harry blinked at him. "You mean, the four of you will vanish?" He asked, disappointed. As much as their sudden appearance had caused him a great deal of panic, Harry didn't like the idea they would be gone. He found the Founders interesting and actually fun, especially Salazar Slytherin whose personality was so different from what Harry had expected.

Salazar winked at Harry. "We'll be around quite a while, Young Harry," he said with an impish grin, "Fawkes gave us his third feather, I believe."

"How did you know?" Asked Harry curiously.

"Because it's a very strong Source. Only the first three feathers that a Phoenix gives has its full power." Harry was glad that Salazar was elaborating about the topic. He hadn't known that how many times a Phoenix gave a feather mattered.

Salazar continued talking about Sources, keen about the subject matter. "The first twelve hairs plucked from a unicorn's tail are also powerful Sources. Mind its horn, of course. Then, a dragon heartstring is as good as any dragon heartstring since-"

"Salazar," Helga interrupted with an amused smile, "I'm sure Harry doesn't need a lecture on Sources. It's very basic knowledge." Harry fought not to look embarrassed. He hadn't even known what a Source was when Salazar had written on the Hat's inside if Harry had a Source.

For a moment, he thought Salazar was going to tell the others about it, but then he shrugged, inclining his head at Helga. "Sorry," he said, looking a little guilty, "You know, I do get easily carried away."

"Obviously," rumbled Godric, sounding like he, unlike Salazar, would never be carried away by anything. Rowena glanced at him and smiled slightly, murmuring, "Both of you share the same penchant for dangerous beasts."

Godric had the grace to look embarrassed while Salazar chuckled merrily. Helga exclaimed, "Don't remind me, Rowena! I have lost count of how many youngsters I have to mend and put back together in just one week." She aimed her eyes at Harry and said sharply, "Please tell me there are no more dragons on Hogwarts grounds."

Harry nodded immediately, Helga beamed, and Godric's and Salazar's faces fell.

"No more dragons?!" Salazar protested before Godric could. "Why?!"

"Keeping dragons and breeding them was outlawed by the Warlock's Convention of 1709," said Harry meekly.

"But this is Hogwarts," Godric declared, "we've always have dragons!" Harry was glad he wasn't a student when Godric and Salazar were in charge. Seeing how enthusiastic they were about dragons, Harry wondered why they didn't use dragons for their House symbols.

"Because each House had to have a unique animal to represent it." Harry looked to Rowena, who smiled at his startled face and continued explaining, "There wouldn't be any peace if either of them got to have a dragon symbol so Helga and I insisted that neither of them use a dragon for their House insignia." There was now no more doubt about it. Rowena Ravenclaw could read minds.

Helga added with an irritated look, "You should have seen those designs they proposed. Little dragons all around the borders. Dragon patterns for the backgrounds." Harry laughed at that.

Rowena giggled. "In the end, I had to design Salazar's House symbol while Helga did Godric's."

"Well," said Godric, his face ruddy with embarrassment, "dragons are wonderful creatures."

"Yes," agreed Salazar, his eyes glazed over with dragon worship, "Fascinating beasts they are, dragons."

"Hopeless." Helga shook her head.

Harry could barely stop laughing. They were just like Hagrid, loony over dragons. He should really introduce them to Hagrid. Suddenly, Harry sobered abruptly. What was he thinking, chatting with them all this time. He had to tell Dumbledore!

"Fawkes!" Harry stood up quickly, surprising them. "Go find the Headmaster quickly, please!" Fawkes seemed to have been waiting for Harry's command for he immediately unfurled his wings and vanished from Godric's shoulder with a piping note.

"I'm sorry," Harry said to them, feeling quite sheepish, "I've wasted too much of your time." They had waited more than a thousand years after all to see Hogwarts.

"Not at all, Harry," said Godric warmly. He went around the desk and stood near Harry, who sat down back in his chair when Rowena urged him to sit down.

"We enjoy talking with you, Harry," said Rowena with affection, making Harry blushed red again. She was really very pretty.

Harry's mouth dried, and he tried desperately to think of something to say. "W-what was that wager you mentioned about?" He directed the question to Salazar.

Salazar's face lit up, and he smiled smugly at Godric, who glowered at him. "It's like this, Harry," Salazar began with a very mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "I came up with the idea of storing memories, which was very simple, and the Doppelganger spell, a bit more complicated."

Harry paid rapt attention to him as did the other three Founders. (Reluctant attention on Godric's part.)

"What I wanted though was a way for the two spells to work in the distant future, so I needed a vessel for the spells which I would be sure would still exist after a long passage of time."

"The Sorting Hat?" Queried Harry.

"Correct! It was perfect. It was the something I was sure that would still be around and in use as long as Hogwarts stands. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of being polite and asking Godric, here, for permission to experiment with it."

Salazar paused dramatically, eyes lifting from Harry's, and Harry glanced warily at Godric behind him. "Uhm...," Harry ventured hesitantly, "he refused?"

"Damn right I did," grumbled Godric.

"Spoilsport," commented Salazar.

"You were toying with dangerous magic, Salazar!"

"Oh please! You label every spell you can't do as dangerous magic!"

Harry's chair skittered forward suddenly and dumped him into Rowena's lap. Godric had bumped into his chair when he lunged at Salazar.

"Are you saying I'm inept at spell casting?!" Godric shouted furiously.

"I didn't say that, you did!" yelled Salazar.

"Oh, stop it!" Helga shrieked.

His face beet red, Harry looked up just in time to see the diminutive form of Helga Hufflepuff rush in between Godric and Salazar grappling with each other. A moment later, both men were forced apart violently. Godric smashed into the wall, knocking down portraits while Salazar crashed into tables, turning them over. Harry stared at Helga, who did a remarkable impression of a bristling badger whose precious store of honey had been broken into.

"You moronic imbeciles! Behave yourselves!" Both Godric and Salazar actually looked cowed by the much smaller woman, and Harry couldn't blame them. She reminded him of Mrs. Weasley on the warpath.

"You two should be ashamed of yourselves! Brawling like children and in front of a student!"

"Calm down, Helga-"

"Be silent, Godric, and pick up those paintings! Salazar-"

"Yes, Mother," said Salazar with a straight face before scrambling to rearrange tables and replacing the silver objects on top of them.

It was hilarious to see Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin falling over each other to cool down Helga Hufflepuff's hot temper. Harry smiled widely, then remembered he was in Rowena Ravenclaw's lap.

Cheeks stinging hot, Harry quickly pushed himself up, kept his eyes away from Rowena to find Helga looking at him with an amused and sympathetic smile. He ducked his head down, utterly embarrassed and went over to help Godric and Salazar clean up the mess.

As he bend over to help Salazar with a table, the older man flashed him a bright smile and murmured loudly, "Now you can boast to your friends of having known the lovely Lady Ravenclaw up close and personal."

"Sir!" When Rowena laughed, Harry wished the floor would open up and swallow him. Helga's light, "Don't tease the poor boy, Salazar," didn't help at all; and neither did Godric's, "He has excellent taste and timing."

Salazar guffawed and placed his arm around Harry's shoulder comradely. Automatically, Harry buried his red face against the cool silk of Salazar's deep forest green robes. This was another thing he would never imagine doing.

"Sorry that you have to take the brunt of our jokes, Harry," said Salazar to him softly, he sounded worried. After a while, Harry withdrew himself from him and smiled, looking composed. "Thank you, Sir," he said, then added firmly, cheeks flaring again, "And I do consider myself very fortunate."

Salazar looked at him with delight, and Harry felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to Rowena, smiling at him warmly. He allowed himself to be guided back into the chair in front of her. He felt another warm touch on his shoulder and tilted his head up to see Helga looking down at him with a motherly expression.

Joy bubbled inside Harry. The reticence he felt being with the Founders melted away in their acceptance of him. Did they always treat people they have just met the way they treated Harry? That seemed so unlikely yet Harry felt that there was no secrets between and amongst them.

"Now," said Salazar thoughtfully, "where was I before Godric so impolitely interrupted me..." Harry grinned and glanced over to Godric, who was glaring again at Salazar. Helga sighed, her fingers playfully tugging at Harry's hair.

"Ah yes! Godric refused to let me store the spells in his precious hat, so I had to find something else to suit my purpose. However, Godric started to hound me, insisting that I do not go through with it. Now, really... that was very unfair and selfish of him."

Before Godric could defend himself, Rowena intervened, "Godric was worried for Salazar, Harry."

Salazar smirked, "He was worried I would wreck disaster in the future!"

"And you would," said Godric sharply, turning to Harry, "when he stubbornly refused to give up on his project, I reluctantly decided to let him enchant my hat instead on the condition that was the only thing he would use."

Harry could understand Godric's concern. The thought of more than one Salazar Slytherin popping up in the future (one was more than enough) struck Harry as disasters just waiting to happen.

Helga tugged Harry's hair, attracting his attention to her. "It wasn't long before Godric decided it was too dangerous for Salazar to go alone," she said.

Harry grinned at Helga. "I bet you then decided it was too dangerous for just the two of them to go by themselves."

She smiled at him. "Correct, Harry. I insisted to go as well to make sure they behaved."

"Of course," Rowena said graciously, "since the three of them were going, I decided to join in."

Salazar grinned. "The more the merrier!" Then he grimaced. "It almost didn't go through though. Godric was starting to convince me that it was dangerous."

"I did?!" Exclaimed Godric; Salazar ignored him, continuing, "Everything was set and ready. Godric's archaic sword was going to be the Source for the timed Doppelganger spell."

"My sword is still around to this day-"

"Shush, Godric, don't interrupt. It then occurred to me that it would never work if by chance someone managed draw out Godric's sword and didn't return it into the Hat. I insisted on countermeasures."

"Of which Godric, of course, protested," said Helga.

"Of course, I protested," Godric said, "it was dangerous magic and foolhardy in the first place. It would be best for all if it never worked."

"Salazar insisted on adding more spells," Rowena told Harry.

"But Godric was bull-headed." Insulting Godric seemed as natural to Salazar as breathing. "I finally convinced him to let me include a spell that would allow me to communicate to someone in this time, but Godric, eager as always to darken my path, allowed it only if I communicated in Parseltongue. I jumped at the chance before Godric could change his mind (which he often did)."

"Salazar," growled Godric.

"Well, it's true!" Salazar said, looking challengingly at Godric, "You probably never let me set one finger on the Hat after that day, and you were so confident it would never work. You wagered a hundred galleons."

"And he accepted," said Helga nonchalantly, tracing patterns in Harry's hair, "even though both of them knew neither of them would ever collect."

"It was a matter of principle," said Salazar, smiling at Harry, "Now you know how all of this came about, Harry."

Slowly, Harry nodded at him, digesting in his mind all that he had heard. It all sounded incredible and unbelievable, but they were here. Helga Hufflepuff patting Harry's head in an absent-minded fashion. Rowena Ravenclaw was singing softly. Godric Gryffindor was examining his sword, which he had removed from the glass case while Salazar Slytherin was looking at Harry expectantly.

As Harry looked into Salazar's friendly green eyes, he was suddenly overwhelmed by all that had just happened. He would never ever have imagined that he would meet the Founders when he decided a little over an hour ago to come here to talk to Dumbledore.

And where was the Headmaster? He should have been here already.

Author's note: I'm worried about Salazar Slytherin. Suddenly, he seems too much to handle

Chapters One to Three has now ended.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 4: Whys and What fors

Harry had dozed off by the time the Headmaster arrived. Rowena looked up from Harry leaning against Salazar to the opening door that revealed an old tall white-haired wizard with an equally white beard tucked into the belt of his robes. There was soft wavering note, and the Phoenix, Fawkes, appeared on the perch beside the door.

Rowena stood up as Godric strode forward to Dumbledore. Rowena knew the Headmaster's name from Harry. He hadn't told her out loud, but his thoughts had been so clear and open he might as well had been shouting at her. He was certainly a Gryffindor. Godric's mind was as noisy.

"Lord Gryffindor." Dumbledore inclined his head respectfully, and Rowena could see that Godric was pleased when Dumbledore didn't seem at all surprised to find the four of them in his office.

"I take it you had been forewarned of our possible arrival," said Godric regally. He frowned ever so slightly when Salazar made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snicker. Salazar winced when Helga pinched his hand.

"Ow! That hurts, Helga!"
"Behave yourself, Salazar!"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with amusement behind half-moon spectacles, and Rowena smiled at him, finding that she liked him already. She watched curiously as Dumbledore reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny scroll. He handed it over to Godric, saying, "This note fell out of your Hat six years ago on this same date."

"Wait..." Salazar looked suspicious. "Godric, didn't we agree not to leave anything that would warn anyone in the future?"

Godric looked uncomfortable. "We must have decided otherwise after you cast the spells," he said gruffly.

Helga quickly grabbed Harry and arranged him to lean against the chair's backrest as Salazar had moved away from them. "This was something we all agreed upon," said Salazar, folding his arms and staring at Godric, "There would be no note, no prophecies, no mention. The last thing we all wanted was for other people to get the same idea."

Godric glanced back at Salazar. "You know I don't know what happened afterwards. We may have decided to send one message to this time as a precaution. We wouldn't want to suddenly appear in a crowd of people."

Salazar scowled, and Rowena quickly added, "I'm certain it is just that, Salazar. You did say you will seal the spells so that no one could tamper with our memories. Our real selves may have later thought it prudent to send a warning, but they couldn't renew the spells or our memories."

Her words seemed to reassure Salazar, but only slightly. Few things bothered the usually unflappable Salazar, and things done behind his back was one of them.

"Well, whatever happened, it's a waste of time to argue about it," interjected Helga quietly, "we are here." Rowena glanced at her thankfully as her words convinced Salazar to let the matter go.

"I suppose that may have had happened," said Salazar grudgingly, "but I would like to see that note, Godric."

Wordlessly, Godric handed the scroll to Salazar, who quickly opened it. Rowena peered over Salazar's arm at it as did Helga on Salazar's other side. It read:

Please return the sword into the hat after use. ~ Godric Gryffindor

Salazar gaped at it while Rowena broke into giggles. Helga teased Godric, "That's you all right. Short and to the point."

Godric flushed, grabbing the note from Salazar, who was grinning from ear to ear. "Admit it, Godric, you wanted to come here as badly I did!"

"No, I didn't!" Retorted Godric, his red face matching his dark crimson robes. "I just wanted my sword to be returned properly, that's all," he muttered, jamming the note into his pocket after glancing at it.

Salazar was milking this for all it was worth. "What is with you and your hat?" he laughed, grabbing the Sorting Hat from Godric's other hand and jamming it on his own head. "You're always putting all sorts of things in it!"

Rowena's nose wrinkled. "Salazar, take it off." It was very dirty.

Salazar ducked before Godric could snatch it off. "Give it back! You're just jealous because I thought of the idea first!" Godric was referring to the idea of creating the Sorting Hat.

"True," Salazar admitted honestly, "I was speechless when you came up with such a brilliant and original idea. It was truly ingenious, Godric."

Godric paused. "... You really think so?"

Salazar nodded, looking serious. Slowly, a proud pleased expression came over Godric's face. "Well, thank you very much, Salazar."

"You're welcome, Godric." Salazar smiled, pulling off the Sorting Hat and giving it back to Godric. As Godric took it, he said, "I was shocked that you of all people thought of it."

Oh no... Rowena barely held on to Godric as he tried to reach pass Helga at Salazar who had run behind her.

"You snake! You just had to say it!"

"I couldn't help it! You're just so fun to make fun of!"

"You two are squashing me!"

Rowena managed to jump aside in time. Godric flew back, pass her, nearly colliding into Dumbledore and hitting the door with a loud thump. Salazar fell back, crashing into Harry's chair and jolting the boy awake.

***

Rudely awakened, Harry raised his hand to his forehead and rubbed at his scar. It was an unconscious habit of his. He heard a groan and blinked, looked over his chair's armrest to see Salazar sitting on the floor and rubbing the back of his head. He was wincing.

Harry's eyes widened, and he looked up from Salazar to see Helga fuming at him and at Godric sprawled against the door. What happened- Harry jumped to his feet when he spotted Dumbledore, standing by Godric.

"Headmaster!" Harry was careful not to tread on Salazar as he hurried to get to Dumbledore.

"Harry," said Dumbledore, adjusting his glasses as he looked over Harry.

"Sir," said Harry hurriedly, "I-" Suddenly, his mind went blank, and he couldn't find the words to explain this situation to Dumbledore.

"Relax, Harry," Dumbledore said encouragingly, "Take a deep breath and start from the beginning."

Harry followed Dumbledore's suggestion and took a deep breath. After a few stutters and stumbles, he launched into a quick recollection of what had happened. He decided not to mention Cedric, going straight instead to seeing the Sorting Hat glowing and putting it on, and about the words on the inner side of the Hat, about asking Fawkes' for a feather, about dropping the feather into the Hat and the Four Founders appearing.

He stopped at that, prefering to tell Dumbledore the rest in private: about the memory and Doppelganger spells, about the wager, about the dragons, about his shock that Salazar Slytherin had green eyes and had a great sense of humor, that Rowena Ravenclaw could speak Parseltongue and could read minds, that Godric Gryffindor looks so cool and hates Salazar's guts (this Harry expected), and that Helga Hufflepuff could clean Godric's and Salazar's clocks.

The last portion Harry felt Dumbledore already knew, and of course Harry wasn't going to tell him that he thought Lady Ravenclaw was drop dead gorgeous.

Harry jumped when Rowena said, "Why, thank you, Harry." He whirled around just as Salazar said, "I do wish you could teach me how to read minds, Rowena."

"You know I wish I could, Salazar," replied Rowena, smiling warmly back at Salazar, who was standing behind her. Harry's mind whirled. The exact nature of their relationship was also another thing he had to ask Dumbledore about.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 5: An Attempt at Nomalcy

Dumbledore had decided to inform the House Heads about the Founders first and summoned the professors to come to his office. Harry was again very impressed with Dumbledore, who acted as though important historical figures visited Hogwarts all the time.

Professor McGonagall reminded Harry of a gold fish, eyes bugged out, mouth opening and closing without a word coming out as she goggled at the Four Founders. Professor Flitwick kept squeaking nonsense words all throughout the gathering and flushed crimson whenever Lady Ravenclaw looked his way. Harry couldn't blame him.

Professor Sprout was beside herself with excitement. She kept babbling, "The Four Founders are here... at Hogwarts... they're back..." and grabbing and shaking already shaken Professor Flitwick. Professor Snape, Harry's least favorite teacher, was stunned, his expression frozen midway between disbelief and refusing to be excited.

"This is Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin," Dumbledore said.

"A pleasure to meet you, Severus!" The look on Snape's face was priceless when Salazar hugged him as a big brother would. Used to Salazar's antics by this time, Harry laughed, earning a murderous glare from Snape still locked in Salazar's embrace.

If Harry hadn't been so busy laughing at Snape, he would have noticed Professor McGonagall's jaw drop, Flitwick falling over in shock and Sprout mumbling, "Now I've seen everything." Harry might have also noticed Rowena Ravenclaw glancing over to the trio and frowning slightly.

The next day, the rest of the staff was informed of the news before breakfast. Harry hadn't been present in the morning meeting, but unlike his fellow Gryffindors and the rest of the students present in the Great Hall that morning, he wasn't surprised when Headmaster Dumbledore stood up and called for all of their attention.

"Wonder what's up. This is the first time he's made an announcement at breakfast," Ron mumbled, chewing on a piece of toast. Hermione stopped eating and observed softly, "Not only that. Look at the others at the staff table."

Harry grinned. The House Heads had had a night to compose themselves, but the rest of the staff had not. Madam Pomfrey, Madam Hooch and Madam Pince were whispering excitedly amongst themselves. Professor Sinastra kept standing up, pausing then sitting back down again. Mr. Filch, Hagrid & Professor Moody weren't at the table, but Harry had a good idea where they might be.

"Students." Dumbledore's voice carried clear and loud to every ear in the Great Hall. "I am pleased as punch to inform all of you that Hogwarts has the honor of having four very distinguished professors as guests."

There was a stir through out the Great Hall as students wondered and murmured to each other. "More teachers?" "About time... too many Double classes in my schedule."

"I hope one of them is going to teach Potions," Neville said hopefully. He wasn't the only one hoping at the Gryffindor table. Snape, in charge of Potions, was always taking points off their House and favoring Slytherin.

The picture of Snape being hugged by Salazar suddenly popped into Harry's head, and he snorted into his cereal, attracting Ron and Hermione's attention.

"Care to tell us the joke, Harry?" Ron nudged his shoulder, and Harry utterly wished he could, but he had sworn to Dumbledore never to tell anyone.

"Uhm..." Harry was saved from having to lie to his two best friends when Dumbledore continued. "They arrived last evening after supper so they weren't properly introduced during the start of term banquet, but they did arrive in time to observe first classes today." Dumbledore paused, smiling. "Please do inform your schoolmates, who are not here this morning, to be on their best behavior during classes and out of classes. That's all."

Fred Weasley frowned. "Sounds like an inspection or something."

"Inspection?" asked Ron curiously.

Hermione answered before George could, "Magical School Accreditation Inspections. The Ministry may have sent a group of wizards to rate Hogwarts. Of course, Hogwarts always gets accredited."

Lee Jordan nodded. "Yah. I've heard of those. They come around once every six years. I remember there was an inspection in second year."

"I remember that too," George said, "The professors kept on telling us to behave." He suddenly grinned. "The teachers also had to be on their best behavior too. Wouldn't want the accreditation team to catch them being mean and abusive to us poor students."

Fred and George smiled widely at each other. Hermione frowned at them. She had been made a Prefect this year so she was being even stricter than usual on rules and regulations.

Ron grinned at Harry, who was dying to tell them the truth. "Wouldn't it be wonderful," Ron said conspiratorially, "if the inspection team catches Snape being mean and nasty in Potions?"

"Ron!" Hermione said sharply, "The reputation of the entire school will suffer if you joke around in Potions."

Harry barely listened to the ensuing argument that followed between Ron and Hermione. He returned back to eating his breakfast with gusto and happily anticipated the Hogwarts Four visiting his classes.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Six: The Magical School Accreditation Team

As luck may have it, it was in Potions that Harry saw them again. He couldn't help himself but grinned when Professor Flitwick led them in. Rowena and Helga first then Godric following with Salazar next and Mr. Filch in the rear.

Harry sat up straighter as did everyone in his class. Harry kept an eye on Snape, who looked on guard; Harry silently prayed for a repeat performance by Salazar. He was disappointed when the Slytherin Founder was behaving himself instead.

"Class," squeaked Professor Flitwick, "These are Professors Regius, Hawthorn, Gloucester & Scaevola. They will be observing your Potions class with Professor Snape."

The Gryffindors greeted them politely, and Flitwick and Filch lead them towards the rear of the classroom. Harry looked back as they seated themselves and couldn't help but noticed how serious they all looked. They, in fact, looked so strict that even Ron decided not to go through with his plan of upsetting Snape. Ron didn't have reason to misbehave during class either since Snape was being uncharacteristically nice and even personally guided Neville in brewing today's lesson, Promethean Potion.

It was a particularly useful potion since who ever drunk it would be immune for some time against fire and some physical attacks.

"You first, Longbottom," Snape said when Neville's potion had turned a bright neon red. Neville gave him a frightened look, but obediently drank a little of it. He hiccupped after swallowing and shouted fearfully when Snape pulled out an iron poker from behind his desk.

"Save me!" Neville squealed and ran behind Hermione for protection. Harry was frozen, staring at Snape and wondering if he really would go after Neville.

"Potter."
"Yes, Professor Snape?"

Snape gave him a tight smile and held out the poker to him. "You test if Neville's potion was done right."

The Gryffindors relaxed as Harry walked over to Snape and took the poker. Harry had to pull twice before Snape would let him have it, and he swallowed reflexively at the dark vengeful look in Snape's black eyes. Harry definitely preferred Salazar Slytherin's friendly green eyes.

"It's all right, Neville," Harry whispered when he reached Hermione. Neville was still cowering behind her.

"Neville," Ron suddenly said sharply, "have a little more backbone, will you? Remember you're a Gryffindor!" Harry glanced at his best friend, startled by his words, then quickly shot a look at Godric who was frowning.

What could he be thinking, Harry thought, suddenly feeling as impatient with Neville as Ron was. Was this Snape's plan all along then... He could feel a burning spot on the back of his head where he imagined Snape's eyes were boring through. It would be just like Snape to make their class look disappointing in Godric's eyes.

Harry breathed easier when Neville came out from behind Hermione. Cowed by Ron's words, he straightened his posture and nodded bravely at Harry. "Go ahead, Harry," he said, without a quaver. However, he winced when Harry poked him in the stomach gently with the poker.

"... Hey!" Neville's eyes snapped opened, and he grinned. "I didn't feel a thing at all!"

The class broke out in laughter and cheers and began tasting their own potions. Harry had barely swallowed his potion when he felt something brush his shoulder. He glanced aside and saw Ron grinning at him and holding one his school books in his hands.

"You didn't even flinched when I smacked you!" Ron said with amazement, and Harry realized that Ron had hit him with his book.

"Let me try!" Harry grabbed his Potions book and hit Ron right on his head. Ron just shook his head, still grinning. "A pillow fight has much more whomp. This stuff is great!"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, and it would be really useful during Quidditch too against those bludgers."

Soon, all the students were testing the effects of the Promethean Potion by hitting each other. Hermione even tried to burn her hand by placing it directly in her cauldron's fire.

"Class," Harry heard Snape over the din, "the potion will wear off in six-"

"Ow!" yelped Neville, grabbing at his shoulder, where he had been daring people to punch him. Ron pulled back quickly before he could hit him a second time. Everyone was soon backing away from one another and nursing injuries.

Later, in the hallway outside Potions, Ron was cursing softly under his breath and clutching at his head. "Why'd he only tell us *after* that it doesn't work properly with non-metallic objects!"

Harry nodded in agreement and winced, his shoulder was throbbing in pain where Ron had hit him several times with his book. Only Hermione emerged from the classroom unscathed.

"Well," Hermione said with a knowledgeable expression, "Professor Snape did say that the potion only works against fire and some physical attacks, and I did read the lesson in advance."

"You could have warned us," Ron complained, groaning loudly, "Harry, I wish you didn't hit my head so hard!"

"Sorry, Ron." But Harry didn't sound apologetic. His own shoulder was also hurting.

Hermione wasn't sorry either. "You two shouldn't have started hitting each other so quickly. Didn't you even wonder why Professor Snape took out an iron poker? The Promethean Potion is only effective against-"

"Wait a minute, will you, Hermione?" Ron said scathingly, "Let me get out a scroll and pen to write everything you say down. That way I don't have to do Snape's assignment later."

"Oh! You idiot!" Hermione left them in a huff. As she disappeared up the stairs, Harry stared at his angry best friend.

"Ron," Harry started then stopped when Ron shook his head. "I know, I know, Harry," he said, suddenly looking very tired, "I shouldn't have acted that way to her. I'll go after her right away and apologize."

Harry just nodded silently as Ron went after Hermione. He decided to let them have some time before coming up after them. Suddenly, the door beside him swung open.

He looked aside to see Salazar coming out rather sneakily and closing the dungeon door quickly. He spotted Harry. "Hello, Harry," he murmured, looking around. The serious strict facade he had been wearing throughout Potions fell away when he saw that he and Harry were alone in the hallway. Mischief twinkled again in bright green eyes.

Harry grinned at him then turned serious. "What are you doing out here, Professor Scaevola?" He said politely, keeping his expression bland. "Shouldn't you be with the others?" They, Flitwick and Filch had been talking with Snape when the Gryffindors left the classroom.

Salazar's face filled with mock horror. "Did they tell you to keep an eye on me too?! Don't believe everything they say about me! They exaggerate I tell you!" Then, he chuckled, patting Harry's right shoulder fondly. "Don't worry, Harry, I'll behave. I just came out here to clear my head a bit. I don't take very well to potion fumes."

Harry's eyes widened, surprised. "You don't like potions?" He asked curiously.

Salazar shook his head. "That's the girls' forte, not mine and Godr-," he broke off, rolling his eyes ceilingward, "Gloucester's." Salazar seemed very amused by Godric's new name. Harry was about to ask him about it, when the door opened again and out came Professor Flitwick.

"Oh, there you are, Professor Scaevola!" Flitwick said in his tinny voice, "Professor Gloucester wants you back in." Salazar snorted at the mention of the name again and said in a lazy tone, "Tell him, I'm not going back in there to listen to him complain about Severus' method of teaching. Remind him he's not a Potions Master."

So, Godric is defending his House. Harry thought that it was very nice of him to do that, and suddenly he wanted to see how Snape was reacting to Godric's criticism. ... Oh well. Harry decided it was good enough to know that Snape was getting trouble from one of the Founders.

Meanwhile, Flitwick agonized on whether to go back in and tell Godric what Salazar told Flitwick to tell Godric or to persuade Salazar to return to the classroom as Godric had asked him. Harry felt Flitwick wouldn't hesitate on what to do if it had been Rowena Ravenclaw who made the order.

Fortunately for Flitwick, Salazar acquiesced, saying, "Never mind. I'll go back in." Flitwick looked relieved and went back in. Salazar looked back at Harry and smiled. "Well, I must be off to be bored with the others." He gave Harry a farewell pat on the head. "I hope to see you again soon, Harry."

"Same to you, Sir," Harry said softly as Salazar went back inside the dungeon. As the door swung closed, Harry discovered that he was beginning to like the Slytherin Founder more than his own House's Founder.

Supper that day was nosier than usual. Students, surprisingly enough were talking about their lessons and comparing them. The Magical School Accreditation Team, as most of the students called them, was dining with the faculty and staff at the head table.

Harry kept raising his head to watch the Founders eat.

"Can you believe it?! Fred said excitedly, "McGonagall actually taught us Mind Switching in Transfigurations!"

Hermione squealed, "Mind Switching?! You're so lucky!"

Harry was puzzled. "Mind Switching..."

Ron grimaced. "Who'd be crazy enough to want to switch minds?"

Who indeed? Agreed Harry silently, then said aloud, "That sounds very dangerous." He shuddered suddenly. What if Voldemort decided to switch minds with me- Don't think about it! There was some sort of connection between Harry and the Dark wizard, and he didn't want Voldemort getting ideas from him.

"It's not too dangerous," George told Harry, "the people who are going switch minds have to be both willing to do it."

"Yes," added Lee, "it's a tandem spell. Both parties has to cast at the same time or it won't work."

"Oh, okay." Harry was reassured. There was no way he would ever be willing to switch minds with Voldemort.

Hermione was asking Fred, "But isn't Mind Switching really advanced magic? It isn't included in the curriculum."

"And how would you know that?" Ron asked her.

"I borrowed and read Percy's school books in his last year here. Learning Mind Switching counts as extra credit," she answered.

"That's right." George gave Hermione a look of admiration. Harry felt Ron, beside him, tense. "That's why we were excited," Fred continued, "McGonagall is teaching us really advanced magic!"

"It must be because of the Accreditation Team," said Lee, "The teachers are out to impress them."

George nodded, then looked a little puzzled. "They weren't so gung ho about it the last time though, just told us to behave a lot..." But he let it go quickly and grinned. "But that was six years ago and when in second year, you really can't tell yet which spells are hard to do from the ones that are really hard to do."

Hermione contributed eagerly, "Professor Snape also gave us an advanced lesson today in Potions. The Promethean Potion is supposed to be one of the last potions to be studied next term."

"Ow!" Said Lee feelingly, "Then Snape got you too, didn't he?"

"Yes," chorused Harry and Ron. There were similar affirmations from the other fifth year Gryffindors.

"We were going to warn all of you about that next term," said Fred.

"You look like you're the only one okay about it," said George to Hermione, who was sitting across from him.

"Don't worry about her," muttered Ron darkly, "Hermione was the only one Snape didn't get.

With that, Ron and Hermione were not on speaking terms for the rest of the evening. Harry was tempted to shake some sense into Ron. He couldn't believe that Ron was actually being jealous of George. Harry didn't even want to know whatever Ron was thinking was going on between his older brother and Hermione.

In the Gryffindor common room, students were still talking about their lessons except for Ron who had gone up ahead to the fifth year boys' dormitory to sulk. Hermione, Harry knew, was just as upset as Ron and was trying to distract herself by asking the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan to teach her Mind Switching.

Harry was just glad that Ron wasn't there to hear George suggest to Hermione that they pair up to do the spells while Fred and Lee demonstrated first.

"This way," George said jovially, "you can be sure their minds really switched, and that we're not only pulling your leg."

"Oh," Hermione remarked, "I wouldn't be so sure about that. Lee is unofficially the third Weasley Twin."

"Ouch!" Lee winced exaggeratedly, "I'm not sure whether to be flattered or insulted."

Fortunately for Lee, before the Twins could pounce on him, the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open, and Professor McGonagall climb in.

"Gryffindors!" called out McGonagall commandingly. Students looked at her curiously, stopping whatever they were doing. She sounded like she was announcing the arrival of someone important like the Headmaster.

Harry immediately came to attention when Godric Gryffindor entered the common room.

Chapters Four to Six has now ended.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Seven: A Crack in the Crystal

"Everyone," Professor McGonagall had said, "I hope you all don't mind, but Professor Gloucester requested to spend this evening with you. He was a Gryffindor himself."

Harry wondered how she had managed to say that last bit with such a straight face.

He supposed that he should have expected that Godric would want to visit Gryffindor Tower, but the sight of his House's founder actually walking, looking around their common room, striking polite conversation with the students... It was almost too much for Harry's self-control.

Everyone should know who he really is, thought Harry, starting to feel frantic as Seamus Finnigan cheerfully challenged Godric to game of wizard chess when the older man showed interest in the game he and Dean Thomas were playing. Dean was more than happy to forfeit his place to Godric (he was losing badly), saying he had to go up to their dormitory and put up a new West Ham poster.

Ron should play chess with Godric! By then, Harry felt more than a little crazy.

"West Ham?" Godric asked curiously.

Used to most wizards not knowing about soccer, Dean replied, "They're a muggle team, not a quidditch team."

"What is quidditch?" queried Godric innocently, shocking everyone who heard him, including Harry who almost screamed, 'HE'S GODRIC GRYFFINDOR!'

"You don't know Quidditch?!" George, Fred and Lee accosted Godric immediately, looking properly horrified for his sake. "How can you not know Quidditch?! It's the greatest game in the world!"

"No, it isn't!" Protested Dean, but the trio ignored him. Acting as one, George promptly grabbed by Godric the shoulders and sat him down in the armchair Dean had recently vacated; Fred zoomed off to their dormitory to get some things; Lee stood in front of Godric, coughing and clearing his throat just as he always did before commentating on a Quidditch game.

Professor McGonagall was very upset. "GEORGE WEASLEY, YOU DO NOT MANHANDLE A PROFESSOR!" Her voice and composure did a complete turn around when she addressed Godric. "I'm so very sorry, Professor Gloucester."

"It's all right, Minerva." Harry and everyone else watched with keen interest as their House Head's face turned an alarming shade of red.

Six seconds later, McGonagall snapped back in character. "Gryffindors, to bed now!"

There was a second of silence, then everyone except Harry and Hermione protested.

"But, Miner- I mean Professor McGonagall, it's only nine-"

"I have more than enough of your cheek, Mr. Weasley! One week's detention for you, your brother and Mr. Jordan! All of you report to Mr. Filch tomorrow!"

"But I haven't done anything!" Howled Lee.

"Harry!"

"Yes, Professor?" said Harry meekly, hoping he won't get detention.

"Please escort Professor Gloucester to his room." McGonagall, still very red, was getting more furious since Fred, who just came back, was also protesting his punishment.

Harry quickly led Godric out of Gryffindor Tower.

***

As he walked alongside Godric, Harry peeked up at him occasionally. Godric's expression was solemn, eyes calmly looking straight forward, his stride at a constant pace. Harry unconsciously copied him, only realizing it when his awkward shuffle turned into a firm walk.

Embarrassed, Harry tried to change back his walking style then suddenly decided not to in mid-step. He ended up being tripped by his own feet. Harry yelped in alarm, falling to his right and automatically reached his hands out to the wall to check his fall.

Strong hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him back. Harry closed his eyes and breathed out hard, his heart beating quickly, still recovering from panic.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Godric asked in a concerned voice, his breath tickling Harry's right ear. Harry quickly looked up to see Godric standing behind him, leaning down a little, his hands still firmly on Harry's shoulders. Seeing Godric's worried expression made Harry angry and ashamed of himself for fouling up right in the man's presence.

He pulled away, and Godric released him. Harry turned around as Godric straightened.

"I'm fine, Sir." Harry bit his lower lip when his voice trembled even on only those three syllables. He suddenly felt very nervous and uncertain. Unable to return Godric's steady gaze, Harry looked away and lower, staring instead at a small golden lion pin on Godric's chest. The miniature lion turned its tiny head towards Harry and stared back at him with unblinking ruby eyes.

"Harry," said Godric softly, and reluctantly, Harry broke his staring contest with the lion pin and looked back up at Godric, who smiled at him. It was a warm reassuring smile, and Harry smiled back, feeling less nervous.

Godric's brown eyes lit up with a proud twinkle. "That's much better, Harry. You've been looking edgy ever since we left the tower."

Harry was about to apologize again, but Godric waved it away. He chuckled then, reaching up his right hand to rub the back of his head with a rueful expression. "I have this effect on my students," he said then frowned, "and not only on them. People tend to pussyfoot around me once they know who I am."

Oh. Harry's stomach felt lighter. Not only me then. Harry was relieved, and he grinned, remembering how Professor McGonagall acted in the common room.

"People tend to look up to you, Sir?" Asked Harry, still grinning.

Godric's smile returned and nodded, not being boastful just confirming that it's always been that way. "Quite," he answered softly, almost in a sigh, "It's a heady experience sometimes, but a heavy responsibility all the time."

That's why he looks serious most of time, thought Harry. Well, what did you expect? That he'd act like Fred and George?

Godric suddenly shook his head slightly and lowered his hand. He glanced at Harry, and with a small nod, both of them continued on their way.

As they neared the marble staircase that would take them down to the entrance hall, Harry thought that the man walking beside him was every bit what he had expected the founder of his house to be. Harry smiled, getting worked up again, but not because he was nervous as before. He was thrilled that he was with Godric Gryffindor.

A faint peal of laughter echoing from the direction of the entrance hall broke through Harry's reverie. His pace quickened as did Godric's.

"Did that really happen, Sir?" Harry tensed upon hearing that familiar smooth and immensely irritating voice. Despite that it was distorted as an echo, he recognized whose it was immediately.

"It certainly did, Draco." Godric froze for an instant then kept moving. The second voice was Salazar's.

On the top step of the staircase, Harry almost fell down the stairs had Godric not held out an arm to steady him. Draco and Salazar were sitting on the floor right in the middle of the entrance hall. Both of them were facing each other over a small magical blue fire. To Harry, they looked like they were camping out.

Both had heard them coming and looked towards them. Draco looked like he was going to sneer but immediately composed his features when Salazar broke into a wide grin and waved at them to come down.

"Godfrey, Harry, come over and join us!" Salazar called out. Harry glanced at Godric as the older man went down the stairs first. After a few moments' hesitation, Harry followed, eyeing Draco narrowly. The other boy was also looking at him intently.

"What are you two doing here, Sextus?"

"We're waiting for you and the others, of course." Salazar lifted a brow questioningly when Godric continued looking at him suspiciously. Harry couldn't help but smile when Salazar turned a bit and stretched his legs out, his hands reaching back to pillow his head as he laid down full stretch and comfortable on the floor. He tossed Godric a lazy and insolent look before closing his eyes.

Draco was delighted. He was about to follow Salazar when Godric said in a frosty tone, "What I mean is that shouldn't you be in the Slytherin common room?"

"Look who's not in the Gryffindor common room," returned Salazar automatically, keeping his eyes closed.

Godric looked ready to kick Salazar in the ribs when Draco said, "There was an accident in our common room. Goyle slipped in the bathroom and hit his head pretty hard against the floor." Draco sounded like that happened often.

"Professor Snape had to take him to Madam Pomfrey," continued Draco, his face turning smug, "He asked me to escort Professor Scaevola to his room." Then, Draco looked somewhat uncertain. He glanced at Salazar, saying, "But the Professor forgot where his room was located, and so we came here instead."

Harry could only think that Snape wanted Draco to find out about the Accreditation Professors being actually the Founders. Draco continued explaining to Godric in a doubtful tone, "Professor Scaevola said that he would wait here until you and the others arrive. He said he would ask you where his room was."

It was clear that Draco was getting suspicious about this peculiar arrangement, which even Harry didn't know about. Harry could only curse Snape and Draco silently in his mind. If Draco finds out, his father, Lucius Malfoy, would find out, and that meant Voldemort would know that the Founders were back at Hogwarts!

"Draco kindly offered to keep me company," said Salazar, finally opening his eyes and sitting up. He smiled warmly at Draco. "Thank you, Draco. I am pleased to see that members of my House are as courteous as ever."

Hah! Harry wanted to say as Draco smiled back at Salazar with what Harry thought was a predatory grin. "You're very welcome, Sir," he simpered.

Salazar inclined his head graciously, then stretched long and hard like a cat before standing up and offering a hand up to Draco. "You better get back to your common room," he said as Draco took his hand.

"Oh!" Harry's stomach turned into heavy lead when Draco declared, "I can stay longer, Sir, until Professors Regius and Hawthorn get here. I'd like to get to know you and Professor Gloucester better. I think you two are so interesting!"

Harry wanted to throw up.

"Thank you, Draco," Salazar said kindly but firmly, "but you and Harry will be missed by your friends. You should both go back to your rooms."

Taking the opportunity, Harry lunged forward and grabbed Draco's sleeve, intending to drag the other boy down to the dungeons if he had too. But Draco jerked his hand away and said loudly, "But I have so much to tell you! At least let me pay back for the interesting story you told me."

Harry quickly seized Draco's wrist just as Draco said, "Do you know that Harry, here, killed a boy?"

Suddenly, Harry felt very cold.

"Harry killed someone?" Godric's voice sounded so faint to Harry. There was a roaring in his ears. White shrouded his vision, and he couldn't see anything. He didn't notice he was gripping Draco's wrist so hard that the other boy's hand had turned very white.

"Yes," Draco winced and tried to pull his hand away. Harry wondered distractedly why Draco's voice, on the other hand, seemed so loud. Every word he was saying cut into Harry like a sharp knife.

"Potter!" hissed Draco, "Let me go!"

"Harry, you better let go of Draco's hand." Even Salazar's voice was so faint Harry could barely hear him.

He felt someone grab his hand and loosened his grip on Draco's wrist. Draco immediately wrenched his hand away.

"Harry," someone whispered. He felt hands rest on his shoulders and squeezed reassuringly, but Harry didn't feel comforted.

"... I hate you," Harry whispered, barely hearing his own words in his ears, but they echoed again and again in his heart.

"Harry." Again another whisper, a gentle shake this time, and suddenly his vision cleared. He could see Godric's face right in front of him. Hazel eyes looked relieved when Harry finally noticed him.

"Thank goodness!" exclaimed Godric, but Harry was looking pass him at Draco who was holding his hand with a look of pain in his eyes. Salazar was also in front of him just as Godric was with Harry.

"I hate you," repeated Harry again, this time louder and Draco and Salazar looked at him. Draco sneered despite the pain he was in.

"What's the matter, Potter? Cedric Diggory not good enough to be your victim?"

Harry's right hand dug into his pocket and whipped out his wand. He heard Godric yell. Draco's sneering expression dissolving into fear was all that Harry saw as he pointed his wand and screamed, "CRUCIO!"

To be continued.

Notes:

[Why Cruciatus and not Furnunculus]

It would change everything, and this situation was more difficult for Harry than the time Draco insulted Cedric's memory on the Hogswart Express at the end of Book 4.

Draco told Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin that Harry killed someone. There, right beside Harry, Draco told Gryffindor, whom Harry truly admired, that he had killed someone. Gryffindor is one of the original founders of Hogswart, a very important historical figure in the Wizarding World, akin to President Abraham Lincoln in the Muggle World.

Also, Harry does have a vengeful side. We saw that side of him in Book 3: PoA when he wanted to kill Sirius. In Book 4: Voldemort tortured Harry with Crucio, and Voldemort got away with it. No one was there to protect Harry. The Cruciatus Curse may be one of the Unforgivable Curses, but that law certainly doesn't hinder Dark wizards from using it.

Something died inside Harry when Wormtail killed Cedric. The experience has hardened him. He is no longer just a boy who had lost his parents. He had also inadvertently caused the death of another boy. Then, along comes Draco who is just so mean and nasty and who, if given the chance, wouldn't hesitate to cast Crucio on Harry. Then he blithely says to Godric and Salazar that Harry killed a boy. With that, Harry was thrown back to that time when he realized that Cedric was dead.

That's the serious explanation. Now, here's the not serious explanation.

I thought very hard on which curse Harry would perform. It had to be something dramatic, something that would show that Harry is really pissed off. Something serious.

Here's what went through my head if Harry used a curse like Furnunculus or Stupefy.

Harry curses Draco. Draco counterattacks. A duel commences and ends when one of them finally gets knocked out or both at the same time.

Other possible outcomes:

1. Godric and Salazar tries to stop them or stops them.

Because fighting in the hallways is unbecoming of a Hogswart student. Because Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will immediately pin the blame on them if they don't. It's their responsibility to protect their students.

2. They start betting on who would win and cheers on their respective students

Note: This will only happen if they clean forgot what Rowena and Helga would do to them when they find out. Or if they are willing to risk that Rowena and Helga will not find out.

3. They start blaming each other resulting in utter chaos. And if worse come to worse, they'll borrow Harry's and Draco's wands and...

End Notes

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Eight: The Lion and the Serpent

"CRUCIO!"

A scream tore from Draco. Harry's muscles locked. In the corner of his eye, he saw Godric's left hand rose from his right shoulder, moving very slowly. Everything was moving so slowly. Draco's head jerked back, his eyes clenched close, his mouth opened wide still screaming though no sound came out now.

All Harry could think was that Draco deserved it. Suddenly, waves of green rushed over Draco whose scream died abruptly. Another scream started then ceased when Godric finally knocked Harry's arm away.

Harry blacked out just as Godric shouted, "Salazar!"

***

Godric caught Harry as the boy tumbled forward into his arms. He quickly looked him over, finding that he had just passed out. He hurriedly but with utmost care lowered Harry to the floor then quickly went over to Salazar who had collapsed, clutching Draco against him in a protective embrace. Both were also unconscious.

He bent over, grabbing Salazar's shoulder and shook the other man. When he didn't awakened, Godric was more than a little alarmed.

That was just Cruciatus, Godric thought as he quickly examined Draco. A bare second burst... Godric had once witnessed Salazar handle a burst twelve times the time without going down to his knees or screaming, and Harry was only a student, still a boy, not yet a full-fledged wizard. Harry's Crucio cannot be so powerful as to affect Salazar so quickly and so intensely.

But he is not the real Salazar... he and I are just memories... we are much more vulnerable and far weaker than the real us... reasoned Godric, keeping his calm and his mind focused, stubbornly refusing to let panic cloud his mind or control his emotions. He paused over Draco, noticing that the boy had managed to withdraw his wand all the way out of his pocket before Harry hit him.

Quick reflexes, Godric mused absent-mindedly, but not quick enough. He took Draco's wand and cast Ennervate on Salazar, who twitched for several moments before opening his eyes. He stared up at Godric and blinked.

"... What happened?" he asked.

"You screamed like a girl and then fainted," answered Godric solemnly.

Salazar froze. "No, I did not!" he snapped.

Godric tapped Salazar's forehead with Draco's wand. "Lower your voice, idiot," he muttered, "no one has come out to see who's making all the noise, but if the girls find out that a student used Crucio on another student while we were around, they'll-"

"I know. You don't have to remind me." Salazar looked scared. He held Draco closer, shivered and mumbled, "Hoggy Warty."

Godric cringed.

***

"Do you think they are all right?" Salazar asked as he laid Draco down on the bed. Godric was putting Harry in the next bed.

"They should be," murmured Godric as he lifted the covers over Harry, but Salazar looked worried as he examined Draco.

"Crucio affected him so quickly," Salazar trailed off uncertainly as he brushed strands of silver hair off Draco's face.

"He's still very young," said Godric reassuringly, then he also looked worried. "I'm more concerned about Harry. What Draco said..."

"About him killing a boy?"

"Yes-"

There was a noise from the adjacent room. Through the door, which they had left open, they could hear Rowena and Helga arriving.

"- Helga, you look upset. What happened?"

"I found out that last year, one of my Hufflepuffs was murdered by someone called You-Know-Who."

"You-Know-Who?"

"Yes, before I could ask more about this You-Know-Who from my students, Professor Sprout took me aside and told me that it would be too suspicious if I started asking about You-Know-Who." Helga sounded very irritated and very angry. "She wouldn't tell me much about this You-Know-Who character either, even his real name. Whoever he is, I'm going to give him hell for what he did!"

Then, there was silence, and Salazar knew that Rowena and Helga had gone into another room. Salazar looked over to Godric, who was staring at Harry.

***

"Damn... Locked. It won't open."

Harry's eyes opened to see a colorful picture painted on the ceiling. It was a painting of lion caught in the coils of a giant snake. As Harry watched, the lion swiped at the snake's head, batting it away with its paws. The snake countered by tightening its coils around the lion.

The lion struggled to get away, but it was futile. The snake's hold on it was too powerful, and the lion soon stopped moving and lay still in the snake's embrace.

"He didn't return my wand!" Harry tore his eyes from the ceiling to see Draco glaring at the door. A second later, he kicked at it very hard.

Harry sat up abruptly and stared at Draco, who was now hopping on one foot and clutching at his hurt foot, muttering in pain.

"Draco," whispered Harry, stumbling off the bed. Draco heard him and turned with a sneer. "Well! If it isn't Harry Potter, the Boy who Lived, soon to be the youngest wizard ever sent to Azkaban!"

Terrible fear overwhelmed Harry, and he collapsed to end up sitting on the floor.

Azkaban... they will send me to Azkaban for casting the Cruciatus Curse on Draco.

He felt tears well up in his eyes and quietly he let them fall. It was over for him.

***

He'd been waiting for this moment ever since Harry rejected his offer of friendship. Draco smirked victoriously as Harry fell dejectedly to the floor.

Finally, he had beaten Harry Potter! It was all he had wanted. Getting hit by the Cruciatus Curse was worth it. The momentary excruciating pain was nothing compared to the triumph he now felt at finally besting the Boy who Lived.

It was even better when Harry started crying. Watching those fat drops of tears rolling down his cheeks reminded him of fat Moaning Myrtle.

Draco was about to jeer on the resemblance when something bothered him. He frowned, his smirk fading. There was something wrong here.

Maybe it was those ugly glasses Potter was wearing. He couldn't see the other boy's eyes because they were all fogged up. He stalked to Harry and ripped them off.

Harry didn't even seem to notice. He kept staring at the floor. With an impatient snarl, Draco grasped and lifted Harry's wet dripping chin.

He froze when he saw Harry's eyes. They were so empty. Nothing was in them. There was no emotion Draco could see in them. Not even fear or sadness. Blank green emerald eyes stared up at Draco without a shimmer. The only sign of life was the tears that continue to well and fall.

Abruptly, he let Harry go as something else disturbed him. There was no sound, no hiccups, no sobs from the crying boy.

Suddenly, Draco felt sick and terrible, and he did the only one thing he felt he could do. He slapped Harry.

...

"I'm sorry..." whispered Harry. Draco relaxed as unfocused green eyes raised to meet his. He's going to say sorry to me now, Draco expected, anticipating laughing into Harry's face and telling him he's still going to Azkaban.

"I'm so sorry, Cedric."

... What?! Shocked, Draco backed off as Harry lowered his head and began to shake.

"I shouldn't have told you to take the cup with me!" Sobbed Harry, increasing remorse in every word, "Why did I tell you to take the cup with me?! Why did I have to be so fair?! If only I had just been a little greedy, just a little selfish, you wouldn't be dead!" Harry was now on his knees, his left hand supporting him, his right hand curled into a fist hitting the floor.

"No!" Harry derided himself violently, "I just had to be perfect! Generous always fair and good sportsmanship! I had to be Perfect Potter instead! And because of that, you're dead!"

He stopped all of a sudden, the knuckles of his right hand bruised and bleeding badly. He stared at the shiny floor streaked wet with tears and blood. He stared blindly at his distorted reflection on it.

Somehow, Draco knew what Harry was going to do, and he kept the other boy from beating his face into the ground.

***

Harry kept on crying out in his sleep. Draco found himself jumping at every little sound Harry made and got angry at himself for being worried about the other boy.

He couldn't leave Harry on the floor. Just couldn't. He wound up lifting (and cursing) Harry from the floor and putting him on the bed.

The injury on Harry's right arm also bothered him too much to leave untended. Since he didn't have his wand, he used a healing potion. He always carried a small unbreakable vial of it around with him. Professor Snape insisted that all Slytherins always carried some of the potion in case of emergencies and injuries. He wanted them to be properly equipped and to be self-sufficient, especially since there was an underlying discrimination in Hogwarts against their House. Madam Pomfrey would never turn away any student in need of medical treatment, but she had also made it quite clear that she disliked Slytherins in general.

As the bruised and battered flesh smoked and began to fuse together, Draco stoppered the potion vial and put it back in his pocket. He took a deep breath and released it huffily, thinking that Snape would probably hex him if he ever found out he helped Harry. Draco, himself, was finding it hard to believe he kept Harry from smashing his face against the floor.

Not wanting to think about and start regretting what he had prevented, Draco occupied himself by looking around the room. It was a large round airy bedroom for two with the two beds occupying the center of the room. Waist high shelves half-filled with books circled around the room while windows covered most of the remaining wall space up to the ceiling.

The painting on the ceiling caught Draco's eye. A large golden lion was treading on a writhing silver serpent. The serpent was undulating its coils, struggling to get the lion off of it, but it was clearly getting weaker. The painting bothered Draco, and he looked away.

Harry was shaking again. His face was even paler than Draco's skin. Automatically, Draco placed the back of his hand against Harry's neck and jerked it away. Harry's skin was like ice. He began pulling the sheets off the other bed to cover Harry.

The door slammed open, and Draco looked up to see Professors Regius and Hawthorn come in followed by the two men who had brought Harry and him here.

Regius quickly pulled Draco aside so that Hawthorn could look over Harry. Hawthorn looked furious and kept muttering words like idiots, imbeciles, morons, numbskulls, under her breath.

Regius firmly tugged Draco towards the door, saying, "Draco, you better leave now." Draco glanced at her when she asked Scaevola to take him outside.

Without thought, he stated, "I know who you four really are."

Regius gasped. Gloucester inhaled sharply. Hawthorn fell quiet. Scaevola froze, his eyes locking on Draco. He heard another soft whimper from Harry.

Draco pulled his arm free from Regius and walked over to stand in front of Scaevola. Draco lifted his head and looked into sharp green eyes, which measured him shrewdly.

"You're Lord Slytherin, aren't you?" Draco said challengingly.

...

Salazar's eyes gleamed thoughtfully, and a small genial smile curved his lips. "What," he question softly, "gave you that idea, Draco?"

Draco's eyes flicked towards Godric, who was eyeing Draco and Salazar suspiciously. Draco jerked his head towards Godric. "Him," he answered bluntly, "he called out your name when you fell down."

"... Oh, did he now?" Salazar's eyes slid over to Godric who was plainly stunned.

"How did you-" Godric started then asked demandingly, "How did you know that? You were unconscious from the Cruciatus Curse."

Draco gave Godric an insolent look and said in a frosty tone, "I pretended to pass out."

"What?!" shouted Godric, angered by this obvious display of disrespect. Draco was about to sneer at him when Salazar yelled delightedly.

"I knew it!"

Draco jumped when Salazar suddenly embraced him. "I knew something was off! You fell too quickly to the Cruciatus Curse!" Draco found himself dazedly clutching at Salazar's robes as the enthused man hugged him and tousled his hair proudly.

"Salazar!" Godric was infuriated. "He deliberately provoked Harry!"

"You can't blame him, Godric. Gryffindors are so fun and so easy to provoke. Just like you."

"You saw how upset Harry was!"

"Godric, Harry is upset for inadvertently causing the death of this Cedric Diggory and clearly has not come to terms with it."

"That still doesn't make it right for Draco to throw it in his face, Salazar!" Godric snapped.

"They are rivals, Godric. There is no right or wrong in war, love and schoolboy quarrels. Besides... Harry threw the first spell. You, Gryffindors, are always so quick to use your wands."

"And you, Slytherins, need to wash your foul mouths out with soap!"

"What wit!" declared Salazar sarcastically. "It's little wonder you, Gryffindors, resort to magic so quick-"

Salazar pushed Draco aside as Godric charged at him, fists flying.

"I don't need magic to deal with you!"

"How so like Gryffindor to turn physical rather than lose in a contest of words!"

"Shut up, Slytherin!"

His mouth opened slightly in shock, a mute Draco watched them. Behind him, Rowena sighed, utterly exasperated with them yet at the same time, bemused. She couldn't help herself.

Helga harrumphed loudly, attracting her attention.

"How is Harry, Helga?"

"He's sleeping soundly for now. Poor boy."

"Yes, I fear he punishes himself too much."

Draco glanced at them with an unreadable expression on his face.

To be continued.

Notes:

To Godric and Salazar, Crucio is just a very nasty but extremely effective spell. In their time, it is used commonly outside of Hogwarts. Inside Hogwarts, its usage is banned by Helga and Rowena. I'll be writing a ficlet on how Salazar convinced Godric that they should teach the Cruciatus Curse to their students. Helga would kill them if she ever finds out about it. Rowena doesn't like it either, but she knows about it. This is why Godric and Salazar wanted to keep it a secret that Harry cast Crucio on Draco.

End Notes

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Nine: Hidden

Rowena didn't trust Draco. Slytherins were the most adept of the Houses in hiding what they thought. Salazar had once told her that since he couldn't read minds, he would at least try to hide what he was thinking from her and also teach his House accordingly.

"Guard your thoughts, think carefully," he would often say to his Slytherins. Then he would grin and jokingly tell them to beware her Ravenclaws the most. "Parseltongue is to the Slytherins, and Mindread is to the Ravenclaws," he'd drone. However, he would deliberately omit to mention to them that only one Mindreader was known to have existed, and that one person was Rowena Ravenclaw.

Rumors flared, stories told of Ravenclaws being able to read minds, none of which was ever proven of course. Still, Slytherins tend to regard Ravenclaws with suspicion. That impression of her House has since disappeared over the thousand years. Mindread was now considered no more than as a myth.

Salazar would be pleased to know, if she ever thought it prudent to tell him, that his House had finally produced a mind she couldn't read.

***

Draco lay flat on his stomach, knuckles against his chin as he looked over the long side of the bed. In the six-foot space in between Draco's and Harry's beds, Salazar and Godric were sprawled on the floor and playing pick up sticks.

The game consisted of thirty-six slender sticks: one white, one black, three reds, three greens, three blues, three yellows, six violets, nine oranges and seven random sticks. The object of the game was to pick up each stick without jarring other sticks.

Draco almost laughed aloud at how intently both men were playing the game, and quickly pressed his mouth against his pillow to muffle his snicker. What a moronic pastime! He snorted into his pillow at the sight of Godric, cheek pressed against floor, carefully levering a yellow stick off two oranges with a red stick he had picked up easily at the start of the game.

"Steady, Godric..." murmured Salazar, lying flat on his stomach, his hands over each other and flat on the floor with his chin balancing on top of them. He winced suddenly and raised his head, lifting a hand to his left eye, which was black, blue and puffy.

"This really hurts," Salazar commented after Godric picked up his yellow stick, "I think your right hook has improved since the last time."

"When was the last time?" asked Godric, eyeing a blue stick wedged just a bit between an orange and a green stick.

Salazar tilted his head as he propped his chin on his palm. He stared off to a point in between him and Godric. "... Scarlet Simeons' Tavern."

"... That long... We have gotten used to Helga breaking us apart before we can actually hurt each other," Godric said with realization.

Listening to this conversation, Draco was starting to have serious doubts that these two men were Slytherin and Gryffindor.

Harry suddenly stirred, and Godric quickly stood up. Draco pushed himself up to a sitting position on the bed; Salazar doing the same on the floor.

"Harry," Godric said softly, reaching out a hand to grasp Harry's shoulder firmly. Draco could see Harry's body tensed then he rolled away from Godric.

Useless, Draco thought spitefully.

***

Harry couldn't face Godric Gryffindor. He closed his eyes and wished Godric would let go of his shoulder. Instead of bringing warmth and comfort as it had done before, he could only feel cold shame now.

"Harry." He flinched when Godric said his name again.

"Godric," Salazar said, "Leave him alone for a while."

Godric started to protest, then he fell silent and let go of Harry's shoulder. Harry felt him move away, and a short while after, he heard the door open and close. He relaxed then, glad to be alone.

"Poor little Harry Potter..."

Harry's breath caught, and he sat up quickly, turning to see Draco sneering at him. Fearful realization crashed into him.

"Y-you know-"

"That's right, Potter, I know! I know about them!"

His blood ran cold. Harry was paralyzed, and he could only stare at Draco who swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. He couldn't even force himself to move when Draco grabbed the front of robes and hauled Harry off the bed.

As his feet hit the floor, Harry slipped immediately. He couldn't make sense of his own body. His legs felt detached and separated from the rest of him.

But Draco was holding him up, keeping Harry from collapsing to the floor like a lifeless doll. He suddenly pulled Harry close and hissed into his ear.

"I know what you're thinking right now, Potter!" Spit flew from Draco's mouth. "You're thinking it's your fault I know about them, aren't you? Everything is your fault after all. Diggory was your fault, right? Your fault that he died. I bet you even think it's your fault your mother died."

Harry's right hand trembled as Draco continued, this time softer but no less sharp, "But guess what, Potter? This time it's not your fault. I found out about them all on my own. You're starting to shake, Potter... Bet you're disappointed you're not included in this one..."

"Want to know how I found out without your help, Potter? After Dumbledore announced it yesterday morning, I already knew they weren't here to rate Hogwarts. You see, my father mentioned that the Ministry was too busy losing their marbles, too frightened and scared about the Dark Lord coming to think about accrediting magical schools."

"Two wizards. Two witches. Each one wearing distinctive House colors and pins. Look at their aliases! It doesn't take much to connect the dots, and you seemed so interested in them at dinner too. I wondered if you knew about it. Knowing Dumbledore... yes, I knew you knew. You are his favorite."

"When Goyle got hurt, I immediately volunteered to escort Professor Scaevola. Hah! I told Goyle to get hurt! Snape probably knew what I was up to. Then... when you showed up with Gryffindor, it was perfect. I could see you were nervous that I might find out."

"... Actually, I was surprised you used Crucio, Potter... It takes guts. I would have been satisfied if you used Furnunculus again to shut me up. All I wanted was for you to embarrass yourself in front of Gryffindor. When you used Crucio, I thank God that Diggory had died."

***

"LET ME GO!" Harry screamed and struggled to get away from Godric. "I'M GOING TO KILL HIM! I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!"

"HARRY!" Godric dragged a spitting, clawing, kicking, biting Harry away from Draco who stood calmly in front of Salazar. He watched coldly as Godric cursed in pain when Harry bit his hand very hard.

Helga was shaking. Beside her, Rowena looked ready to burst into tears.

A sharp pain exploded in Draco's cheek. He fell back against Salazar as Helga, hand still raised from delivering the slap, shrieked furiously, "SALAZAR, GET HIM OUT OF HERE! GET HIM OUT BEFORE I KILL HIM MYSELF!"

Draco didn't feel the hands that touched his shoulders and led him away.

From the room, they stepped into a magnificent brightly-lit hall. Draco paused, stumbling a little and blinking at the sunlight that came streaming through a crystal dome crowning the hall. Absent-mindedly, he thought that he had never been in this hall before.

Then, suddenly, he was standing in the familiar empty torch-lit entrance hall of Hogwarts.

Draco blinked, regaining some sense, but suddenly losing all strength in his legs. He started to fall, but the hands on his shoulders tightened and pulled him back up. Draco felt a warm body against his back and realized that Salazar was fully supporting him.

After a few moments, Draco pulled away and turned slowly to look up at Lord Slytherin. Salazar's green eyes were unreadable, and Draco knew for certain that he would reject him just as Helga Hufflepuff had.

Salazar Slytherin wasn't the man Draco expected him to be. He had expected someone like his father, a cold and calculating man who would do anything to get his way. This man standing in front of him was not the dark lord he had expected.

Draco had watched him carefully, watched him taunt Godric Gryffindor and brawled with him. He had seen him flirt with Rowena Ravenclaw. He had seen him make fun of Helga Hufflepuff behind her back (and regretting it afterwards when she caught him). He had seen clearly how close Salazar Slytherin was to them. He could see they were friends.

How disappointed he must be of Draco.

But. He wasn't Harry Potter. Draco lifted his head, meeting Salazar's eyes directly and fearlessly. He wasn't Harry who was afraid of disappointing his House's Founder. He wasn't afraid. He wasn't afraid of anything. He wasn't afraid of Salazar Slytherin.

"Go ahead, Sir," Draco said softly, glaring at the Founder of his House, challenging him.

And surprisingly, Salazar grinned at him. Pride glinted in emerald eyes as he said, "That was very well done, Draco."

Draco's mouth dropped as Salazar laughed and embraced him. "That was well done!" He accidentally bit part of the man's robes when a big warm hand affectionately rubbed his hair.

"I knew you would do it! I knew it!"

Draco's eyes squeezed shut and without realizing what he was doing, he hugged Salazar back. Draco didn't understand him, didn't understand what he was saying, and didn't understand why he was accepting him.

"W-why?" Choked Draco against the damp spot he had made on forest green robes. "Why would I do it?"

"In order to get something you wanted," answered Salazar softly, "and you did get what you wanted."

"... What was it that I wanted and that I got?"

Salazar chuckled, and the light warm sound made Draco's heart soar.

"You wanted your rival back, Draco. It was so obvious."

To be continued.

Chapters Seven to Nine has now ended.

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