Hearts and Hourglasses

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 10: History Lessons

Rowena had known Godric since they were children. She had seen him often at gatherings in her father's home or at the Gryffindor manor. Their families were close, for the Gryffindors owed allegiance to the Ravenclaws, who in turn depended on them.

Wise old Ravenclaw. That was how people referred to her family even then. On the other hand, the name Gryffindor was virtually an unknown. That would soon change and quickly when at a very young age, Godric lost his parents and became head of his family.

***

Harry was still angry. Godric refused to let him go after Draco. His hands and arms stung with bite marks and scratches from having to hold Harry back. The right side of his jaw was swollen due to a collision with Harry's skull.

"Let me go!" Demanded Harry, his green eyes were dark with fury. "I'm going to kill him!"

Godric tightened his hold on him. "That's why I'm not letting you go," he said softly, "killing him isn't going to bring Cedric back, Harry."

Harry stilled, and Helga said in a harsh tone, "That boy is heartless! I'm going to demand that Dumbledore expel him immediately!"

Rowena interrupted gently. "Salazar would never allow that, Helga. You know he would never allow us to expel any of his students no matter what they did."

"He is a fool!" Helga said angrily, "Draco will be the fall of his House if he's not rid of!"

"He isn't the only one." Godric looked down at Harry, who was staring at Helga intently. Godric couldn't identify the emotion in Harry's eyes.

Harry swallowed before continuing in a rough voice, "A lot of Dark witches and wizards are from the Slytherin House." Harry suddenly ducked his head down, looking uncomfortable and said quickly, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you, because you all seem close to Lord Slytherin." He paused and admitted, "He's not what I expected."

Godric felt that Harry had more to say. So did Rowena for she encouraged Harry to continue. Slowly, in halting words, Harry told them that he had thought Salazar Slytherin would be an evil person. He told them about what had happened in his second year, about a Chamber of Secrets and the basilisk inside it. Harry told them that history books said that Salazar wanted to allow only students that were of pure blood into Hogwarts.

"- didn't like students that were from Muggle families. He didn't trust them, and then..." Here, Harry looked up to Godric with a very reluctant expression on his face. He swallowed again and said, "It's said that you two fought about it, and that he left Hogwarts afterwards."

And Harry stopped there. Godric blinked and asked, "What happened after that?"

Harry shook his head. "That's all the books and our History teacher, Professor Binns say..." Harry also blinked. "There's not really much, but I have been inside the Chamber..." This time, Harry frowned. "There's a statue in there of Lord Slytherin... it doesn't look like him at-"

"THAT IDIOT!" Both Godric and Harry started and looked over to Helga who was absolutely infuriated. Rowena was trying, with no success at all, to calm her down.

"Helga-"

"A BASILISK, ROWENA! HE BRED A BASILISK HERE AT HOGWARTS! I WARNED HIM! I WARNED HIM I WOULD ROAST HIS HIDE IF HE EVER DID THAT!"

Helga rushed out of the room with Rowena running after her.

"Helga, please, you're too angry right now. You shouldn't-"

The door shut close behind them.

...

Harry felt Godric began to shake. Concerned, Harry looked up to see that the older man was laughing silently. The arms that kept him from Draco loosened and fell away as their owner lost control of himself.

Harry moved away and turned around. Godric was wrapping his arms around his stomach, doubling over in laughter.

"... Sir-"

"Oh God-" Godric suddenly gasped out and breathed in quickly. He squeezed his eyes shut as another laughing fit overcame him.

It took at least six minutes before Godric finally calmed down. He sat on the edge of the bed Harry had slept in, trying to keep from laughing again. Once in a while though, a chortle would break free from him.

Harry sat down beside him, still worried. Godric noticed his concerned expression and smiled at him.

"What is it, Harry?"

Harry's throat tightened. "Sir, why aren't you worried?"

"Worried about what, Harry?"

"About Lord Slytherin!" Harry couldn't help but shout. Here he was, nervous and worried for Godric's sake, and the older man was just so unconcerned. Isn't he even worried about what Harry had said about Salazar?

Godric continued smiling at him. Then much to Harry's amazement, he started laughing again. Then, he stood up, grinned at Harry and said, "Let's hurry. Maybe we can still make it time to see Helga burn him to a crisp."

Harry's mouth dropped in shock. "Sir!" He protested.

"I know you're concerned for Salazar's well-being, Harry," Godric said in a genial tone of voice. He was still grinning. "But it's really quite entertaining and don't worry. Helga will feel guilty afterwards, and she'll fix the damage."

Godric had clearly misunderstood Harry's concern, and he stood up to confront Godric.

"Why aren't you worried that he will turn on you and the others?!"

"... Is that what you are concerned about?"

Slowly stiffly, Harry nodded, and Godric looked up to the ceiling and sighed softly. "Forgive me, Harry. I was distracted." Then he looked back at Harry and smiled again, this time to reassure him.

"Let's go to the Chamber of Secrets."

***

Harry had once been in the Chamber of Secrets, and once had been too much. Now, he was back here again.

The chamber looked as it had back then. Dim greenish illumination, serpent pillars and the statue at the end of the chamber.

Harry watched Godric who stopped to examine the skull of the dead basilisk. There was nothing left of the king of serpents except for its skeleton, picked clean by rats no doubt. There was not a single green scale left to be seen.

"No... can't be." Harry hurried over to Godric who looked pale.

"Sir, what's the matter?"

"This." Godric slowly pointed at the forehead of the serpent skull. His jaw tightened. "This was one of ours."

... What...? Harry moved closer to the skull, straining to see something on its white surface. He jumped when he saw that there was a shallow indentation. It was a mark in the shape of a stylistic letter H.

"Then, it must be true," said Godric softly.

Harry looked back at Godric. "What do you mean, Sir?"

"That Salazar would leave Hogwarts."

"... I did told you so, Sir. ... You didn't believe me?"

"Not you, Harry," said Godric firmly, "I meant your history books. One thousand years is a long time."

"... When I told you a lot of Dark wizards come out of House Slytherin, you and the others didn't seemed surprise."

"... Why would we be, Harry?"

"Because that means that Lord Slytherin became a Dark wizard!"

Godric's eyes widened in surprise, then he snorted. "Harry, Salazar will not become a Dark wizard. He is a Dark wizard."

"... He's a Dark wizard... already?" Harry was dazed.

"He's always been a Dark wizard, Harry," said Godric, suddenly impatient. "What are they teaching you? That he was a Light wizard who turned to the Dark side? This is why I do not trust history books."

"... But why? Why choose a Dark wizard to be the fourth Founder of Hogwarts?"

"Because he was the most powerful Dark wizard," explained Godric simply, "Without him, Hogwarts would have been constantly attacked by Dark wizards. With him, not only did our enemies dare not attack Hogwarts, they also sent their children here to learn magic from him."

"... What about this chamber then?"

"Yes, of course, this chamber..." Godric pointed at the statue. "Let's go over there first."

As they walked towards the statue, Harry tried to arrange his jumbled thoughts as best as he could. Reaching the base of the wizard statue, Godric sat on the right foot and gestured at Harry to do the same on the other foot.

Harry clambered up on it and sat down just as Godric said, "Salazar and I bred basilisks in this chamber, Harry."

Harry just frowned thoughtfully at this. Somehow, he had expected that. He waited for Godric to elaborate further.

"We were very careful of course, especially Salazar," said Godric softly, "When the snakes matured, and their eyes turned yellow, Salazar would cast a spell on their eyes to keep them close. Afterwards, he would take the snake over to Knockturn Alley."

Here, Godric smiled slightly. "We put away quite an amount. Basilisks are very much in demand especially among the Dark arts practitioners, and especially since we were the only suppliers. Helga often inquired where we got the money to pay for the additional construction works on the castle. Rowena knew, of course. Thank goodness, she never told Helga."

Godric glanced at Harry, whose eyes were so wide with disbelief, he looked like a befuddled owl with glasses.

Godric paused, tilting his head thoughtfully then continued, "This chamber was here before the castle was built. During excavation, we struck the tunnel that leads into this chamber. It turned out to be the tomb of an eccentric extremely wealthy wizard named Godfrey Gloucester."

Harry nearly fell off his foot as Godric casually pointed up at the statue and said, "Meet Lord Gloucester, Harry."

To be continued...

"There is not a shred of evidence that Slytherin ever built so much as a secret broom cupboard!" ~ Professor Binns, History of Magic, HP: CoS

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 11: A Reason for Everything

Rowena first met Helga Hufflepuff in the study of Lord Regius Ravenclaw, her father. Lord Hengist Hufflepuff had sent his youngest daughter Helga to the Ravenclaw court to learn magic. In those days before Hogwarts was founded, noble wizarding families usually sent their children to Ravenclaw manor for their education.

Helga was sent back home after six days. Regius told Hengist that his daughter showed little interest in learning and that he had no desire to waste time disciplining and forcing youngsters to pay attention to their classes and to study their lessons. It wasn't the first time Rowena wished her father was a little less strict and a little less demanding.

***

When Harry and Godric returned to the hall, they saw Rowena rushing towards them.

"Thank goodness you're back! Godric, do you still have the boys' wands?"

Godric nodded and pulled two wands from his pocket. Rowena quickly took a wand (Draco's) and hurried away from them. As she disappeared into one of rooms, Godric commented, "Helga must have been quite hard on Salazar."

Harry noted he didn't seem at all worried and smiled. Then, he looked around the room they were in. It was a hall the size roughly the same as the entrance hall of Hogwarts. There were differences though. This was a grand hall. It was round, its floor was marble tiled. On its walls was a moving sky scene, and the entire area was brightly lit.

The hall's ceiling was a dome of crystal. Its surface was finely faceted, making the sunlight that shone through it break and bend so that tiny rainbows glittered on the floor and walls. There were twelve doors positioned around the hall like the numbers of a clock. One of these Harry already entered, and he was dying to enter the other eleven.

"This place is beautiful," Harry breathed out softly, marveled when the walls suddenly flickered and changed into a seascape. Harry suddenly froze, realizing that the air he was breathing had suddenly turned salty. There was also a gentle breeze that blew against him.

"I'm glad you like it, Harry." Godric smiled and handed back his wand to him before saying, "Aquinas Thomas designed and built this place for us. His fee was astronomical but well worth it."

"Did he design the rest of Hogwarts too?"

"No, no. Hogwarts' plan is a hodge-podge of designs from different architect magicians. We didn't want to use an overall plan by one builder since it would be dangerous if Dark wizards ever got hold of him or a master plan of the castle."

So that's why Hogwarts castle is so confusing, thought Harry. There was something else that bothered him. "Does Headmaster Dumbledore and my teachers know about this place?"

Godric immediately shook his head. "No, only us four and Aquinas Thomas, God bless his soul."

"How do we get here?" Harry asked. He was certainly questioning Godric a lot.

Fortunate, Godric didn't seem to mind. "There are several portkey points in Hogwarts. One of them is the entrance hall. Another is at the entrance of Gloucester's tomb. We just used it." He then paused, gave Harry a slight smile and murmured conspiratorially, "Of course, Helga must never know about the latter."

Harry grinned and nodded. Godric's smile widened, and he continued, "However in order for the portkeys to activate and send you here, you have to know about this place."

Harry blinked. "That's all?"

Godric nodded, his hazel eyes twinkling.

"... But... surely someone must..." Harry trailed off uncertainly, thinking about it. It was so simple... but it did make sense. If you didn't know this place existed, then you won't get here.

"That's so smart!" Harry exclaimed, and Godric chuckled, saying, "Even the house elves don't know about this place, and we don't need them to come here since the walls, floors, everything, even the ceilings are self-cleaning."

"... Can I come here also?" asked Harry haltingly. His stomach tightened when Godric hesitated. Then, the older man raised his right hand and removed the golden lion pin from the front of his robes.

"You'll have to wear this," said Godric, placing the lion pin on Harry's robes. As he positioned it over Harry's heart, the miniature lion emitted a tiny roar.

Godric smiled and said, "He likes you, Harry. That means you're definitely a Gryffindor."

Harry straightened, smiling proudly. "I know I am, Sir. But what does this pin do?"

"The portkeys will activate and send you here simply by thinking you want to be here. But there is a security measure that tests you. If you're not one of us, you'll be sent back to where you were with barely a memory of this place. Until the Pentacle is certain of you, use the lion pin to contact me if you wish to come here."

His hand over the lion pin, Harry looked at him questioningly. "... Pentacle?"

Godric gestured at the floor, and Harry looked down. He jumped when it began to glow. There were lines running through the marble. Harry raised his head, his eyes following the lines. It soon became apparent to him that there was an enormous pattern engraved into the floor in the shape of a five-pointed star.

***

Because of all that had happened, Harry forgot he had classes this morning. He panicked and asked Godric to send him down immediately. Godric quickly reassured him that he would speak with his teachers before sending Harry straight to the Gryffindor common room. Fortunately, it was empty since everyone was at classes. Harry hurriedly washed himself a bit and changed his clothes before dashing out. He got out of the tower just as the lunch bell rang.

Lunch for Harry, that day, was a guilty and irritating affair. Ron and Hermione, who had been worried sick by his absence, kept plying him with questions, demands and accusations.

"Where were you?!" Hermione wasn't letting him eat his meal in peace. "You missed Transfigurations, and Professor McGonagall kept asking us where you were!"

"Yah!" Ron added, "When I told her you were already gone when I woke up this morning, she practically freaked, dismissed us early and ran out of the classroom."

"I bet you went out exploring, didn't you?!" Harry was glad that Hermione still had sense to keep her voice low.

"You went out exploring without us?!" Harry wished Ron were as discreet. People in the Great Hall were starting to look towards them.

"Keep your voice low!" snapped Hermione at Ron, who had the grace to look embarrassed. At least, they seemed to have made up with each other, Harry thought in the back of his mind. Though Harry wished they were still angry with each other and start sniping at one another instead of at him.

"Watch out," George suddenly whispered, "Minerva is heading this way."

Harry raised his head to see Professor McGonagall striding towards the Gryffindor table with a very upset expression on her face.

Harry suddenly felt so cold. He had forgotten all about it, forgot that he had cast the Cruciatus Curse on Draco. His hand shook, and the spoon it was holding fell into his bowl of beef stew. Soup splashed and spilled a little over the side of the bowl as Ron said, "I've never seen her look so upset. What did you do, Harry?"

Harry didn't hear Ron nor felt Hermione's hand grip his shoulder.

Draco told... He was going to be sent to Azkaban... In the corner of his mind, Harry reprimanded himself. When he entered the Great Hall, Professors McGonagall and Snape were not at the staff table, and Draco wasn't present in the Slytherin table. He should have realized it then instead of allowing himself to be distracted by Ron and Hermione, rushing to him and demanding to know where he had been.

Draco told Snape first of course... Harry could just imagine the look of glee on Snape's face when Draco told him. Harry Potter, the Boy who Lived, the Youngest Wizard ever sent to Azkaban.

Harry began to shake, alarming Ron and Hermione who immediately moved closer to him protectively. They weren't asking any more questions, but silently reassuring Harry that they were with him.

Ron stood up when Professor McGonnagall reached them. "Profes-"

"Keep quiet, Mr. Weasley, and sit down!" McGonagall said so sharply that the first year Gryffindors at their table quaked and dropped their spoons.

Ron kept quiet but didn't sit down. Harry felt his hand on his shoulder. On Harry's other side, Hermione also stood up, but she knew better then to say anything when Professor McGonagall was this upset. Her hand on Harry's other shoulder tightened reassuringly, telling him that they were with him, she and Ron.

Harry's heart clenched. Ron and Hermione were such good friends to him. Here they were, defending him even though they didn't even know what he did. Harry's jaw tightened. He didn't want them to know what he did.

Harry stood up himself, shrugging off Ron and Hermione's hands. As their hands fell away, he lifted his head and looked at Professor McGonagall directly. He opened his mouth to say that he didn't want them to know.

Then, McGonagall exploded.

"How could you hex Draco in front of them?!"

The entire Hall shushed. Ron and Hermione were so shocked that they sat back down on the bench. Harry was frozen, staring at his House Head's flushed face.

"Of all the idiotic things to do! You know who they are, Harry! How could you lose control of yourself and hex Draco right in their presence! When I found out, I was never so ashamed in my entire life!"

Harry choked as McGonagall went on. "You're a Gryffindor, Harry! You should have known better! Do you how embarrassing it was when Professor Snape told me?!"

Somehow, Harry managed to interrupt her. "Professor Snape told you?"

McGonagall glared at him furiously for interrupting her. "Yes," she snapped, "Professor Snape told me! Draco told him all about how you hexed him, missed and hit Professor Gloucester instead!"

Harry's jaw dropped.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 12: Pins and Sticks

When Rowena was twelve years old, Dark wizards kidnapped her from her father during a visit to Diagon Alley. While Lord Regius Ravenclaw was examining a wand Mr. Ollivander had presented to him, Rowena had wandered out of the store. Barely had she stepped out of the shop, when a hand clamped over her mouth to keep her from making a sound. She remembered seeing the prone bodies of her father's guards on the ground, before a black bag was placed over her head. It had been enchanted to keep her from hearing anything and to absorb any sound and cry of help she would make. It also affected her inner ear so that she lost sense of balance and was too disoriented to resist her captors or to think.

When finally the bag was removed, the first thing she saw was a pair of brilliant emeralds set in silver. Then, she realized she was looking into the green eyes of an enormous silver serpent. Rowena screamed, eyes wide, and fear blocking out all coherent thought. She flung herself hard against the chair she had been placed in to put as much distance as possible between her and the serpent. Her lungs burned. The air in them ran out as the serpent tilted its head, staring back at her with its tongue flicking in and out. Then, it smiled.

Before Rowena's stunned eyes, the snake's amused visage shimmered and coalesced into a smiling human face.

***

Professional McGonagall gave Harry three months' detention for supposedly hexing one of the Magical School Accreditors, Professor Gloucester, who was actually Godric Gryffindor, founder of their House.

Ron and Hermione were aghast by the punishment meted out. The rest of the Gryffindors though were more thankful that McGonagall didn't take points off their House. Well. After all, Harry had gotten into trouble by himself.

Harry was only too glad to have detention instead of the life sentence in Azkaban. He didn't understand why Draco didn't tell the truth, but Harry had never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He was determined though to confront Draco about this, and he had to tell Godric.

But he didn't see Draco or any of the Founders until dinner that day. He was about to dig into a juicy steak when an upset Helga stomped into the Great Hall, closely followed by a worried Rowena.

Harry placed down his fork and knife when Godric entered. He didn't notice Ron and Hermione watching him with observant eyes. Harry had told them that when he escorted Professor Gloucester last night, he met Draco who was with Professor Scaevola.

He told them he lost it when Draco insulted Cedric's memory. He hexed Draco, missed him and hit Gloucester instead. Then Draco hit him with stupefy. When he came to, he was in a room he had never been in before with Gloucester who assured him everything was all right. He had slept too late and quickly went back to Gryffindor Tower to clean himself up. Then, it was lunchtime.

Both Ron and Hermione believed Harry's story, but had unanimously decided that there was something else Harry wasn't telling them. They were determined to find out whatever it was he was keeping secret from them. It seemed to have something to do with the Accreditation Professors...

Harry stood up; Ron noticed a glitter of gold on his robes. Harry walked over to Gloucester who smiled when he saw Harry coming towards him. Harry smiled back. Reaching Godric's side, Harry quickly told him in a low tone that Draco had deliberately lied to their teachers.

"I know, Harry," replied Godric, turning a trifle bit nonplussed. "Your Professor McGonagall has been apologizing to me all afternoon long. I just got away from her." Then, he looked irritated. "I wager that snake has something to do with this. It's just like him to twist the entire story." A small smile curved Godric's lips. "He wouldn't want anyone to know he fainted when your spell hit him."

Harry paused, then slowly asked, "I hit him?"

"Just for a second. Don't look worried, Harry. He's perfectly fine. He's use-"

Godric paused, looking over Harry's head. Harry turned to see what he was staring at and stilled as well. Salazar and Draco had entered the Great Hall together. The expression on Draco's pale face was animate. Gray eyes glittered with enthusiasm with whatever he was saying to Salazar, who was listening intently, his head tilted slightly towards Draco.

"That idiot," Harry heard Godric mutter behind him. He glanced back at the older man who was still staring at Salazar and Draco. When Harry looked back, a glitter on Draco's robes caught his eyes, and he realized that the other boy was wearing a silver serpent pin.

***

Harry had to do detention after dinner. Professor McGonagall told him to report to Mr. Filch to do whatever task he wanted done that night (and for the next 89 days). Ron and Hermione offered to keep him company, but even they were reluctant to stay with him when Filch assigned Harry to start cleaning out the Owlery.

Harry insisted that Ron and Hermione leave him alone, saying Filch didn't need two more slaves to do dirty work. They finally decided to take his advice when Filch was keen to make them do chores as well (separate from Harry).

After scraping owl droppings for three straight hours, a messy aching Harry trudged down from the Owlery. He wanted to do no more than go straight to Gryffindor Tower, wash up and go to sleep.

Three months' detention... thought Harry tiredly, ninety evenings of having to do Filch's bidding. Suddenly, Azkaban seemed a tad bit pleasant. Dementors don't make you do chores, do they? Bah. Harry grumpily cleared away the unfunny thought from his mind. Filch was a dozen times better than any dementor though Harry didn't like him either.

Harry had an unpleasant surprise when he turned around a corner and found Draco waiting for him. Harry froze, eyeing the silver-haired boy warily. Meeting Draco in a dimly lit hallway at midnight was not a good idea.

The faint flicker of light in Draco's eyes seemed to dance in time to the writhing silver serpent on his robes. Harry found himself staring at the pin, wondering if Draco had spent the entire evening with Salazar.

When Harry looked up from the pin, he realized that Draco's eyes were also trained on the lion pin Godric had given Harry.

It was Harry who finally said something first. "Why did you lie to Snape?"

Draco's eyes lifted from the gold lion pin to meet Harry's eyes. His lips twisted, and he drawled, "I kind of like the idea of the Great Potter owing something to me."

Harry glared at him instantly. "I don't owe you anything!" He snapped.

Pale eyes narrowed then Draco shrugged, turned and walked away. He left behind a suddenly confused Harry who didn't understand what just happened. However, Harry did remember something else. He ran after Draco and grabbed the other boy's sleeve.

Draco immediately jerked his arm away, turning to look arrogantly at Harry who demanded, "You're not going to tell your father, are you?!"

One silver brow lifted. "I'm not stupid, Potter," Draco said coolly, "My father wouldn't like it if I told him I let you get away with casting Crucio on me."

Harry gritted his teeth. "No, Malfoy!" he said sharply, "Not that! About them!" He lifted his right hand and pointed at the silver serpent pin over Draco's heart. "You can't tell anyone about them!"

If anything, Draco's eyes turned colder, and Harry's fear increased. If Draco told his father, Lucius Malfoy, Voldemort would know about the Founders being back at Hogwarts.

Harry grabbed Draco's front. If he had to, he would threaten the other boy to remain silent about them. Draco immediately shoved him away, snarling, "Touch any part of my person again, Potter, and I will cast Crucio on you!"

Harry's fist shot out and struck Draco's jaw solidly. "Go ahead!" shouted Harry as Draco stumbled back. "Do you think Crucio frightens me?!" Harry's hands whipped out and shoved Draco's chest, pushing the other boy back further.

"Voldemort, himself, cast Crucio on me! Your father was there! He can tell you how many times Voldemort tortured me!" Draco lost his balance and landed heavily to the floor on his back. Harry threw himself at him and began pummeling blows on Draco.

Somewhere else...

"As usual, Gryffindor throws the first punch," Salazar commented as he picked up a green stick from the floor. In front of him, Godric was staring up at the ceiling where the lion was trampling the serpent.

"Draco deserves what he's getting," said Godric, but even he sounded uncertain. He lowered his eyes and looked over to Salazar expertly tweaking an orange stick away from a mess of red, blue and violet sticks.

"... Aren't you worried about Draco, Salazar?"

"He can handle himself, Godric."

Draco suddenly crossed his arms over his face, shielding himself from Harry's punches and twisted his body off the floor, throwing the other boy off him.

Salazar glanced up as Godric began his turn. The serpent was coiling around the lion. "Draco's turn now," he informed Godric.

Godric looked up at him. "Perhaps we should bring them here."

Salazar shook his head. "This is their battle, Godric. Let us not get involved."

"... I suppose you're right," said Godric reluctantly, turning his attention back to pick-up sticks.

Twelve minutes later, both Harry and Draco were too exhausted to fight. Harry dragged himself over to the wall and sat up, leaning against it. He watched as Draco pushed himself up and moved over to the opposite wall.

Sweat dripping and breathing hard, they stared at each other. Draco spoke up first, "Feeling better about yourself, Potter?" But exhaustion had caused his voice to lose its usual rancor when addressing Harry.

"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry barely managed to say it. He winced. Every part of his body was bruised and aching. He tried to get up, but only ended up falling back against the wall. Wonderful... thought Harry wearily; his eyelids were becoming heavy. Soon, it was a struggle not to fall asleep right there.

Harry fell asleep six seconds before Draco did. As Draco slumped against the wall, Godric and Salazar appeared from around the corner and took Harry and Draco back with them towards the Owlery.

In the place where Harry and Draco fought, there was a flicker of light that shone, disappearing quickly in the wavering light of the torches, which line the hallways of Hogwarts.

To be continued.

Chapters Ten to Twelve has now ended.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 13: Ravenclaw

Rowena was returned to her family one month after being kidnapped from Ollivanders in Diagon Alley. She returned with sound mind and body, showing no sign that in any way was she traumatized by the experience. Lord Regius Ravenclaw praised his daughter for possessing such courage and strength to face the Dark wizards who took her and to return, by her self, unscathed.

Rowena told her father that the Dark wizard, who had kidnapped her, returned her, but he wouldn't hear of it. Sometime later, she would learn that her father had paid one hundred twenty galleons for her release.

***

The first thing Harry saw when he woke up was the lion and serpent ceiling painting. He blinked and stared at it. Currently, both the lion and the serpent were sleeping curled up at opposite sides of the ceiling. Both were starting to wake up though, and Harry heard a groan. He turned his head on his pillow and saw Draco waking up in the other bed.

Harry bolted wide-awake then, sitting up and watching Draco warily. Before he could say anything to the other boy, the door opened to let in Godric followed closely by Salazar who closed the door quickly behind him.

"Rowena knows," hissed Salazar, "I told you not to think about them!"

Godric looked defensive. "Rowena won't tell Helga, I'm certain."

Salazar glared at him. "Helga will get suspicious, and you know Rowena is not a good liar."

"Unlike you," grumbled Godric.

Harry sneezed before he could control it; Godric immediately went to his bedside.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" Godric asked in a solicitous voice. Harry smiled and said he was all right. In the corner of his eye, he saw Salazar sit on Draco's bed, and a sudden chill went through him. He grabbed Godric's sleeve.

"Draco," Harry whispered to Godric urgently, "he's going to tell others about the four of you."

Godric's expression stilled, and he glanced over to Salazar who was talking softly to Draco. The other boy was following every word Salazar was saying. The look on his pale face was ebullient.

Godric looked back to Harry, saying, "Salazar would have made Draco promise not to tell anyone about us before giving him his pin."

Harry shook his head vehemently. "Draco cannot be trusted," he declared bluntly and a little too loudly for a pair of silver heads at once turned his way.

Draco immediately taunted Harry, "I was waiting for you to say something like that, Potter. Took you long enough."

Harry's hands clenched into fists, but Godric gestured at him to stay calm. It was he instead who questioned Draco. "Will you promise to keep silent about us being here at Hogwarts?"

Draco folded his arms and gave Godric a contemptuous look. "I do not have to promise anything to a Gryffindor," he declared impertinently.

That was too much for Harry to take. Draco had the gall to show disrespect to Godric Gryffindor, Harry's House's Founder, and in his face. He got out of bed even as Godric shouted, "You little imp!"

Harry lunged at Draco and rammed into Salazar who had sidestepped in between them. He pushed Harry back firmly. Harry landed heavily against Godric who quickly steadied him.

Before Harry could recover, Salazar said lightly, "Trust is an ambiguous thing, Harry."

Harry felt Godric behind him tense as Salazar silkily continued. "And promises are nothing more than the tools of fools in need of petty assurances."

Salazar's words had barely began to sink into Harry's mind when he turned away from him and Godric to Draco, who was now sitting on the edge of his bed and looking at Salazar with profound respect.

"Draco," said Salazar, "will you tell anyone about us?" Harry couldn't quite describe the tone of voice Salazar was using. It sounded expectant as if he already knew what Draco would say.

Draco's eyes were steady as he answered, "I will not."

"Why?" asked Salazar.

Draco made the slightest pause before he said, "Because I don't want anyone else to know." His eyes hardened and flicked over to Harry. "They don't deserve to know," he said softly.

Why that- But the other boy had turned his attention back to Salazar. "I won't tell anyone about you." Draco seemed to be addressing Salazar solely. "I promise I won't tell anyone."

Salazar smiled. "I don't need you to promise anything, Draco."

Draco considered this silently for a moment then said simply, "I know." Harry stared at him with disbelief. Draco actually sounded mild and tranquil. Harry found himself staring at Salazar, wondering what he had done to Draco. The other boy treated most people as though they were trash, but with Salazar, he was respectful, even humble. Draco didn't act that way even with his own father.

Salazar chuckled. His left hand raised and rested on Draco's shoulder as he turned back to Harry and Godric. "Satisfactory?"

Harry didn't say anything, but Godric gave a stiff nod. Salazar tilted his head in a minute bow and said, "We'll go then."

Harry watched silently as Draco and Salazar left the room. After a few moments, he took a step forward and faced Godric, who had closed his eyes and was looking a little off-color.

"Sir," he asked worried, "Are you all right?"

Godric's eyes snapped open and stared at Harry in surprise as if he had forgotten Harry was there. Then, he relaxed and smiled slightly. "I'm fine, Harry. Just remembering something."

Harry nodded and waited, hoping Godric would tell him what that something was. When Godric remained silent and looked away from Harry, he asked, "Can you tell me more about Lord Slytherin?"

Godric's eyes flicked back to Harry, and his smile turned wry. "He is a mystery, isn't he?"

Harry nodded, looking reluctant and admitted honestly, "It's difficult to believe that a Dark wizard is one of the Founders of Hogwarts."

Godric laughed softly. "I know. I know," he sighed, "Helga nearly bashed my skull in when I told her that I asked Salazar to join us." He closed his eyes again, took a deep breath and opened them before saying, "But we needed him."

His tone turned reminescent. "After Lord Regius Ravenclaw passed away, Rowena asked me and Helga to help her manage her family's estate."

Harry sat down on Draco's bed, listening intently as Godric continued. "I'm not certain if your history books tell you this, Harry, but just in case they don't.... Before Hogwarts, Light wizarding families sent their children to learn magic from the Ravenclaws."

Harry smiled and commented, "I expected that." Godric chuckled, lowering himself to sit on Harry's bed.

"Old Regius Ravenclaw was a tyrant," Godric said, frowning slightly, "He was hard on his students and a perfectionist. I almost got sent home several times, but Rowena pleaded with her father and tutored me behind his back. Helga wasn't as fortunate. Old Regius sent her home within a week."

Harry made a face. "That doesn't sound fair."

"Oh, it was definitely not fair," Godric declared, "Old Regius was so strict and demanding that a lot of families stopped sending their children to him." Then, Godric's expression softened. "But Rowena adored him, and he her. If Rowena's mother hadn't died so early, he might have been a kinder man. I never had the honor of knowing Lady Rachel Ravenclaw, but my father told me she was the most lovely and gentlest girl he had ever seen."

Here, Godric grinned. "Then my mother clobbered my father."

Harry laughed. Godric chuckled then coughed a bit. "Sorry, Harry. I got a little sidetracked. You wanted to learn more about Salazar."

He immediately reassured him. "I don't mind at all. I like learning more about Lady Ravenclaw."

"I'm sure you do," Godric said slyly, and Harry blushed. "Sir!"

"Don't be embarrassed, Harry. Rowena is the reason why Salazar got involved."

Harry blinked. "What do you mean exactly?"

"Half a year after Rowena's father passed away, Dark wizards broke into Ravenclaw manor and ransacked the library. Their head wizard was none other than Salazar Slytherin, the youngest of the Thirteen."

"... Thirteen?"

"... Good grief! Don't tell me your history books don't mention the Thirteen! They were the most powerful coalition of Dark wizards in my time!"

"I'll look into it," promised Harry. He was certain Hermione would know about them. "Please continue the story, Sir." Harry was dying to know what happened next.

Godric still looked a little peeved about Harry's lack of historical knowledge and continued in a grudging tone, "I was there that night at Ravenclaw manor. I heard the alarms go off and rushed to the library. I was the first to reach it."

"There were seven of them. Dark wizards usually go in groups of six, but whatever they came for in the library must have been important because Salazar was there to oversee them. He was the only one not hooded so I could see his face."

"I saw that one of them was holding a book, which clearly didn't belong to them. It was an old spell book that Old Regius used to carry around with him. I attacked him first, casting Expelliarmus, but Salazar shoved the man out of the way and countered the spell."

"He shouted at them to hurry up and to ignore me." This time, Godric's face turned disgruntled. "He said he would take care of me."

"What happened then?" Harry was on the edge of his seat.

"They took more books and items while Salazar and I were duelling. I couldn't get pass him." Godric sounded frustrated. "He kept countering every hex and curse I threw at him, and I couldn't get close without making myself an easy target. I knew he was just playing for more time for his people to get the job done."

"When Helga arrived, they were already leaving. Helga attacked Salazar immediately and managed to disarm him."

Harry interrupted, "Lady Hufflepuff managed to disarm him (while you didn't)?" His eyes were wide.

Godric looked sheepish. "While I was busy trying to take Salazar down with magic, Helga simply swooped in and knocked his wand away with her staff. No magic."

Harry's respect for Helga Hufflepuff increased threefold as Godric continued, "Salazar was surprised by Helga's attack style, but he quickly recovered. He got his wand back and was about to escape when Rowena showed up."

Harry straightened. "What happened?" He was starting to sound like a broken record player.

Godric's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Salazar literally froze when he saw her. So did Rowena, actually."

Harry grinned, and Godric cleared his throat before continuing, "Helga swung her staff at Salazar, but Rowena shouted, warning Salazar, who ducked and barely missed being severely brained. He tumbled pass Helga and ran through the doors that opened out into the garden. He Disapparated once he passed the borders of the estate." Godric chortled then, saying, "Helga was so nettled with Rowena and me."

Harry could just imagine Helga shouting at Godric and Rowena for letting Salazar escape. "Were the things stolen ever returned?" Asked Harry curiously.

Godric shook his head. "No, Dark wizards never return what they steal."

"But Lord Slytherin did return."

Godric snorted. "Yes, he did. To steal Rowena."

Harry gasped, "He kidnapped her?!"

"Not if Helga and I had anything to say about it," declared Godric. Then, he relaxed and told him, "I'll tell you the rest later, Harry. You better go get ready for your classes."

Slowly, Harry nodded reluctantly and left the room with Godric.

To be continued.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 14: The Ones Beside You

After her father passed away, Rowena asked Godric and Helga to help with teaching magic to the children of Light wizarding families. There was a surge in the number of students sent to Ravenclaw manor. Whereas Lord Regius Ravenclaw was respected but feared, his daughter, Lady Rowena, was cherished and loved by the children.

It didn't take long before Rowena was inundated with the task of teaching. Wizarding children begged their parents to send them to Ravenclaw School, as was what the estate was began to be referred to. Even children from plebian families flocked to the school since Rowena didn't restrict teaching to the noble families as her father had done.

As the number of students increased, Ravenclaw manor soon became a target of the Dark Wizarding community. It was besieged by Dark wizards, who were determined to destroy the school and stop the teaching of magic to the children of Light wizards.

***

Harry just made breakfast that day. By the time he entered the Great Hall, most of the students were already half way through their meals. He quickly spotted an empty space at the Gryffindor table and plunked down on the bench. He barely heard the good morning greetings from the Weasley Twins, Lee Jordan and the Creevey brothers as he served himself with some bacon and eggs, toast and sausages.

He had finished an egg when he realized that Ron and Hermione (sitting across the table from him) were staring at him. Harry was unable to meet their eyes. Of course, they would know that he hadn't returned to Gryffindor Tower again last night. (Damn that Draco!) Anything he said to Ron and Hermione now would sound unconvinced and untruthful. Harry decided it would be best not to say anything to them. He didn't know what to say anyway, and even if he did, it would be a lie.

Thankfully, Ron and Hermione didn't say anything to him over breakfast, and they silently accompanied Harry as they went to their first class that morning, which was History of Magic. There, Harry took the opportunity to go over his history books while most of the class slumbered to the sound of Professor Binn's droning. All Harry found out by the end of the class was that there was very little information from the Founders' era, and he didn't find any reference at all to the Thirteen, the Dark wizards coalition that Godric had mentioned to him.

Harry was tempted to ask Hermione, but he felt too guilty right now to ask her or Ron, who would probably know something about it, since his family, the Weasleys, was an old Wizarding family.

During the next lesson, Care of Magical Creatures, Harry kept having to fight down the impulse to ask Hagrid if dragons had ever been bred at Hogwarts. Hagrid would have answered yes, of course, but then he would be referring to Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback, the illegal dragon he had hatched from an illegal dragon egg. Knowing Hagrid, he'd probably forgotten (or had never known) that dragon breeding was illegal and was likely to tell the entire class the story of Norbert. Harry definitely didn't want that to happen, and Ron and Hermione would never ever forgive him for getting Hagrid into trouble.

In any case, Harry felt a little rattled by lunchtime.

At the entrance hall, students were milling around a sign at the foot of the marble staircase. It announced that classes that afternoon would be suspended for a special lecture by a visiting professor. For a moment, Harry thought that one of the Founders would be making a speech. Then, he heard Godric behind him.

"It should be interesting," Godric said. Harry turned slowly, making sure to keep his face placid. Ron and Hermione were standing beside him.

Godric was with the other Founders. Salazar was shaking his head. "I've had enough of speeches and the like." The Dark wizard sounded bored out of his skull.

Rowena touched Salazar's hand. "I'm sure you will like it, Sextus. You've always been keen on learning new things."

Harry noticed Salazar cover Rowena's hand with his other hand as he smiled at her, saying, "Right now, the one thing I'm interested in learning cannot be taught."

Rowena smiled at him in return while Helga shook her head at them. "A mismatched pair, I tell you," she commented to Godric who chuckled, cleared his throat loudly and offered his arm graciously to Helga. "Shall we go ahead and leave them be?" He said in a stately manner.

"Indeed, we should," answered Helga in a delicate tone of voice, primly placing her hand on Godric's arm. They walked with a flourish into the Great Hall leaving Rowena blushing in embarrassment and Salazar laughing his head off.

Harry smiled at this. It was hard to believe that they were the Hogwarts Four. They sounded so normal and ordinary, just like any other wizard and witch. History did tend to cast people as either heroes or villains, extraordinary or common, good or evil. Little middle ground even though lines were often blurred.

Harry watched Salazar escort Rowena into the Great Hall. Rowena was walking close to Salazar, who was regarding her fondly. There was no question about it. The Dark wizard cared a great deal for Lady Ravenclaw.

Was she the reason, Harry wondered, that Salazar Slytherin helped build Hogwarts? Harry frowned then; remembering the Dark wizard would leave the school. ... It wasn't enough. Something had happened...

He remembered what Godric said about Rowena's parents. ... Did something happen to Lady Ravenclaw-

"They're funny," he heard Ron say to Hermione behind him.

"But very interesting," continued Hermione. She sighed softly. "They're very sweet with one another." Another heartfelt sigh. "It's so romantic."

"Who?"

"Oh, Ron! Don't act stupid! You know who I mean!"

"I meant which two. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff?"

Harry whirled around just as Hermione said, "No, I think they're just friends."

"You know!" Harry yelled at them, and they grinned at him.

Surprisingly enough, it was Ron who first suspected that the Accreditation Professors were not who they were. He had mentioned about them in a letter he Owled to his family. His father had Owled back saying that there weren't any magical school accreditation teams sent out from the Ministry this year.

Hermione had also realized that the Headmaster and their school professors never said that Professors Gloucester, Scaevola, Regius and Hawthorn were there to accredit Hogwarts. All they ever said was that they were there to observe.

They told Harry that last night after they left Harry with Mr. Filch, Ron went up their dormitory and borrowed Harry's Invisibility cloak. Under it, they headed to the Owlery. On their way, they spotted Draco heading to the same destination.

"He was acting really weird," Ron said to Harry as the three of them pored over history books in the library. They had a free hour after lunch before they had to return to the Great Hall for the lecture.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked. He was reading a very short paragraph on Regius Ravenclaw. He sounded as mean and nasty in the history books as what Godric had said about him.

Harry didn't see Ron shrugged. "Draco just stood there in the corridor... waiting for you. He just stood there for hours, just staring at nothing."

"And we stood there just watching him for the same number of hours as well," said Hermione, who was scanning through a thick tome quickly. "The Thirteen, right Harry?"

"Right," replied Harry, looking up from his book, "Did you find anything?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, not yet, but I did find something about Godric Gryffindor."

"Really?" Harry immediately looked over to her book. It just said that Godric became head of his family at a very young age when his father and mother died. That saddened Harry, remembering the fondness in Godric's voice when he talked about his parents.

Ron frowned at them. "Aren't you two even worried about Draco?"

"He's weird," stated Harry simply, going back to his book. Hermione just shrugged.

"... You two really beat up each other last night."

Harry looked up from his book to find Ron looking at him intently. Hermione had also stopped reading.

Ron's eyes were steady as he said, "Is it true? Did you really cast Crucio on Draco, Harry?"

Hermione slammed her book close and glared furiously at Ron. "Shh! Someone might hear you!"

"I kept my voice low!" Ron retorted.

The three of them jumped when Madam Pince harrumphed loudly and scowled in the direction of their table. All of them quickly put away the books they borrowed and left the library.

They decided to go out onto the grounds. Finding a secluded spot near the lake, they hunkered down on the grass. It was Harry who spoke up first.

"Yes, Ron," he said softly, adjusting his glasses as he stared over the lake's translucent surface, "I used the Cruciatus Curse on Draco."

He felt a hand on his shoulder and glanced aside to see it was Hermione. "You must have been so angry," she said softly and understandingly.

Harry lowered his head and nodded. Hermione embraced him, whispering in his ear that it was all right.

"Thanks," Harry murmured, feeling tears sting his eyes.

But Ron wasn't quick to comfort him. When Hermione released Harry, Ron said, "You broke a very important law, Harry."

Hermione looked at Ron angrily, and he said defensively, "Don't look at me like that, Hermione. You're the one who's always so big on rules and regulations."

"And you're the one who usually breaks them," snapped Hermione, "For goodness' sake, Ron! Harry's your best friend!"

Harry somehow could hear the thoughts running through Ron's mind. Everything happens to Harry, and he's so special, he can even cast an Unforgivable Curse and get away with it. Harry couldn't blame Ron for feeling it was unfair. It was unfair.

Harry blinked and wiped his eyes before looking at Ron, who was looking at him unwaveringly. Harry couldn't make an excuse for what he did. No matter what Draco had said about Cedric, Harry had no right to do what he did.

Harry's mouth was dry, his voice raspy as he said, "I am prepared to go to Azkaban, Ron."

"Harry!" Hermione gasped in alarm. "Don't say that!"

"You shut up, Harry!" Ron suddenly grabbed his shoulders, and Harry blinked into Ron's eyes in confusion.

"Just shut up!" Ron said gruffly. "Why do you have to be so self-sacrificing? You know I'm jealous of you for a lot of reasons, but the thing that bothers me the most about you is that you have to be a hero."

"... Ron," Harry said faintly. Ron suddenly let go of him and demanded, "Promise me you won't ever do something so stupid again!"

"I- I won't, Ron."

Ron nodded brusquely. "You better keep your promise or I'll really beat the stuffing out of you. I'm not the sissy fighter Draco is."

"... Yes, Ron, I promise."

To be continued.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 15: The Hawthorn Charm

Six months after Rowena's father passed away, Dark wizards ransacked the library of Ravenclaw manor. Valuable and irreplaceable spellbooks were stolen. Treasured magical items were taken. Rowena feared what further damage would have been done had Godric and Helga not been at the manor that night. The library might have been set ablaze.

Godric went after the thieves, determined to take back what was stolen. It was a useless attempt, but not for any lack of effort on his part. Helga discovered that some protection spells and charms Lord Regius Ravenclaw had cast on the estate were rendered ineffective by powerful Dark magic. A low-level Dark wizard would not have the skill to accomplish it.

Godric told Rowena that the silver-haired wizard was Salazar Slytherin, an extremely powerful and ambitious Dark wizard, who had been initiated into the Thirteen despite the fact that the other members of the coalition were many years Slytherin's senior. Godric warned Rowena that this wouldn't be the last time they would see of Salazar Slytherin.

Rowena debated with herself whether to tell Godric and Helga that this same Dark wizard was the one who kidnapped her when she was only twelve years old. And whether or not to tell them that she hadn't been taken for ransom as everyone, including her own father, had believed. Salazar Slytherin had kidnapped her so that he could learn Mindread from her.

When he realized it was impossible to learn, he returned Rowena.

***

Harry, Ron and Hermione returned to the Great Hall a quarter of an hour before the lecture would begin. When they entered, they found that the golden stage was back, the house and staff tables were gone, and about a thousand or so comfortable looking golden armchairs were arranged in neat rows before the stage with three wide aisles going through the middle and at the sides.

By the front row stood their professors and the Headmaster talking amicably with the Founders. Harry quickly suggested to Ron and Hermione that they seat themselves in the row behind the Founders. They agreed, but before they went, someone else entered the Great Hall, and they were all pleasantly surprised to see that it was Professor Lupin.

"Professor!" Harry exclaimed with delight, rushing over to the fair-haired man. Lupin's solemn face broke into a wide grin when he saw them. "Harry, Ron, Hermione, it's good to see you all again!"

"It's great to see you, Sir!" Ron yelled cheerfully, and Hermione gushed over Lupin, saying he looked so handsome. Lupin's pale face flushed at her praise, but Hermione hadn't been overly flattering. Lupin did look great. He wasn't wearing shabby robes any more. In fact, the robes he was wearing looked brand new, and his face looked fuller as if he had gained some weight.

His light brown hair had been trimmed and neatly set. His robes were properly pressed. Harry saw that he had a new briefcase. He blinked. Professor Lupin smelled kind of nice.

"Why are you here, Professor?" Ron was asking. Hermione immediately answered, "It's obvious he's the one who's going to give the lecture."

"Oh." Said Ron, and Lupin chuckled lightly. "That's right. I've been giving lectures at schools all over the country," he said in a warm pleased tone, "It was Headmaster Dumbledore's idea, and he recommended me to other headmasters." He smiled slightly. "As long as I didn't visit during a certain time of the month, they didn't mind me coming to their schools."

"So you have been travelling a lot," said Harry, grinning, "That's wonderful, Professor."

"Thank you, Harry." Lupin's eyes suddenly locked onto Harry's intently. Harry looked at him questioningly as Lupin glanced at Hermione and Ron. "May I speak to you alone for a moment, Harry?" Lupin asked, sounding a little nervous.

"... What is it, Professor?" What could Lupin want to talk to him about in private? About Sirius?

Lupin suddenly looked... well, excited. "Are they here?" He said quickly, as if unable to contain himself any longer. It took Harry a few seconds before he realized whom Lupin was referring to. Hermione caught on at the same time Harry did.

"They're over there, Sir." Hermione pointed towards the stage. Lupin followed her finger then suddenly stared at her and Ron. "... You two know?"

Ron was quick to answer, "We found out on our own, Professor. Harry didn't tell us anything."

Lupin nodded slowly, saying seriously, "That's good. You all three do know that this must not get out."

They all nodded, and Lupin's smile return. Harry then asked curiously how he found out.

Lupin swelled with pride, reminding Harry of Hagrid when he said that Dumbledore had seen fit to inform him as well. Harry was glad Dumbledore told Lupin especially since he knew how much Dumbledore's trust meant to Professor Lupin.

Harry remembered something, someone actually. "Where's Sirius?" He asked Lupin, who looked a little embarrassed, saying. "He's outside. Mrs. Norris screeched for Mr. Filch when she saw him. He absolutely refused to let him in."

"Awwwww..." Harry, Ron and Hermione said all together, "Poor Snuffles!" Lupin laughed.

"Ah, Professor Lupin." They all turned to see Headmaster Dumbledore walking towards them with a benign smile on his face. Professor Snape was a step behind him with an expression of dislike on his sharp face.

Snape glared at Lupin while Dumbledore asked Lupin how he has been. Harry lent only half an ear to their conversation as he wondered if he could somehow sneak in his godfather, Sirius, into the castle. Since Lupin knew about the Founders, Sirius most probably knew about them as well. Harry was certain Sirius would want to meet them.

However, before Harry could decide, students began coming into the Great Hall in droves, and he realized he better hurry and find a seat near the stage before all the good chairs were taken.

***

Professor Lupin looked good on a stage, thought Harry with a grin as the former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher strolled with confident ease to the center of the stage where a table had been placed.

As Lupin put his briefcase on the table, Harry heard some seventh year Ravenclaw girls in the row behind him giggle appreciatively and whisper among themselves.

"Didn't he teach here two years ago?"

"I sure wish he was still teaching here..."

"Girls," One of them said sharply, "he's a werewolf, remember?"

"Only once a month..."

"Come on, he is cute."

It's amazing, thought Harry with amusement, what a little grooming and a new set of robes could do.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Students, fellow professors, Headmaster Dumbledore and honored guests." Lupin's magically enhanced voice echoed sonorously all through out the Great Hall. "I am Professor Remus Lupin, and I will be talking about and demonstrating to you all the Hawthorn Charm." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Can anyone tell me a little about this particular charm?"

It was the first time Harry had heard about this charm. He was thinking that the name sounded familiar and noticed in the corner of his eye that Hermione had raised her hand (not surprising).

"Yes, Justin," Lupin's voice called out rollingly. Harry turned his head to see Justin Finch-Fletcley, a Hufflepuff boy in the same year as Harry, stand up.

Justin's voice rang clearly as he answered, "The Hawthorn Charm is the most powerful protection charm ever created. It is the only Light magic charm that effectively blocks the Cruciatus Spell, one of the Three Unforgivable Curses."

Really? Harry perked up, looking attentively at Justin. A charm that blocks Crucio was definitely worthwhile learning. Harry knew from first hand experience.

Justin was still talking, his lilting voice rising proudly as he said, "The charm is said to be created by none other than Helga Hufflepuff."

Harry started and looked over to the front row where the Founders were seated. He couldn't see Helga's face, but the line of her shoulder and back was stiff. He watched as Godric, seated beside her, leaned over with a smile to say something into her ear. Rowena, on Helga's other side, gave her an affectionate hug. Salazar, seated beside Rowena, was staring up at the enchanted ceiling, which showed a clear blue sky.

"That is correct, Justin," Lupin said, smiling, "Thank you. Please take your seat." As Justin sat back down, Lupin opened his briefcase and took out a flower. This particular flower was glowing and changing color from white to pink to red to pink to white and back.

A murmur went through the audience as Lupin held it out before him and opened his hand. The flower levitated from his palm and began to rotate slowly in mid-air.

Lupin said, "A single Hawthorn flower, by itself, is a small charm against harm. The more flowers, the greater the strength of the charm. An entire tree or shrub is a powerful charm." He gestured at the flower in front of him. "This single flower you see here contains the magic of an entire tree."

Lupin smiled. "The process of converting numerous flowers into one blossom is a complicated procedure, but not too difficult. You will be able to procure these flowers at modest expense. It is necessary. In order to properly cast the Hawthorn Charm, you must have one of these or a Hawthorn or a May Tree nearby.

Harry put a note in his mind to secure several of those flowers as soon as possible then he placed all his attention back on Lupin who had taken out his wand.

"Idei Protectus!" Lupin shouted, striking the flower with his wand. Rays of light burst from the center of the flower, and it disintegrated into shimmering particles that formed a translucent globe around Lupin. Then, it vanished.

"There." Lupin smiled. "I am now shielded from most curses and hexes until the charm wears off. How long it will last depends on the magical strength of the one being protected and the strength of the attack spells on it. Usually, when left alone, the Hawthorn Charm can last for more than twelve hours."

Lupin then put away his wand and held out his arms apart. "Would anyone care to test the Hawthorn Charm?"

Harry immediately raised his hand. He would like very much to see the charm at work at close range. Harry then noticed that a lot of people around him were also raising their hands. Ron, Hermione, all the Ravenclaw girls behind him...

Lupin beamed, pleased with all the audience interest and participation. His eyes met Harry, and the corner of his mouth twitched. Harry smiled back widely.

Suddenly, someone from the front row stood up and walked up to the stage. Lupin's smile died down a little. It was Professor Snape.

Harry's hand fell as the entire audience broke into whispers, murmurs and mutters. Ron was muttering loudly as Snape climbed up the stage steps. "Lupin didn't pick anyone yet," Ron complained, glaring at the Potions Master.

Lupin's expression was wary as he turned to face Snape. The other man had stopped at proper duelling distance and eyed Lupin with cold nasty intent.

The Great Hall turned quiet as Lupin carefully told Snape to use any spell except illegal ones. Harry's eyes narrowed at Snape, who looked disappointed at the restriction.

Barely had Lupin said to cast when ready when Snape's wand snapped up and pointed straight at Lupin. Harry jumped out of his chair as Snape shouted, "INFERNO!"

Girls screamed and boys yelled as a thick tongue of flame erupted from the end of Snape's wand and whirled like a tornado around Lupin.

"PROFESSOR!" shouted Harry. He was about to run to the stage when the fire died down suddenly and revealed a pale and not burnt in the least bit Professor Lupin.

Lupin lifted his head slightly and stared steadily at Snape, whose black eyes narrowed at him.

The entire room filled with applause as most students cheered and clapped their hands for Professor Lupin. Only the Slytherins kept quiet, looking discontented that Lupin was still alive and well. Harry noticed though that Salazar had straightened in his chair and was finally showing interest.

Lupin took a deep breath as the audience settled down. He then nodded politely at Snape, who jerked his head back at him in an irritated fashion. He looked like he wanted to cast another spell at Lupin, but thankfully for Harry's heart, he didn't and went off the stage and back to his seat.

Lupin cleared his throat before asking the audience if they have any questions about the Hawthorn Charm.

When the lecture was over, Harry, Ron and Hermione waited at the open doors of the Great Hall. Inside, the room was almost cleared of students. Professor Lupin was still in there as well as the Headmaster, the other professors and the Founders.

Helga seemed to have taken a liking to Professor Lupin, who looked abashed by the attention he was receiving from the Founders. Godric was talking with him right now with Rowena listening with polite interest to their conversation. Salazar, on the other hand, had a peculiar expression on his face and was staring at Lupin intently.

Harry watched curiously as Salazar said something to Lupin that made everyone who heard him jump. Helga gave Salazar an angry and confused look, taking Lupin's arm and pulling him away from the Dark wizard. Godric stared puzzledly at them, alternating between Lupin and Salazar. Rowena, though, looked frightened and moved closer to Salazar.

Later, Godric would tell Harry what Salazar had said to Lupin. Salazar had told Lupin, "I bet you are a lot of fun on a full moon."

To be continued.

Chapters Thirteen to Fifteen has now ended

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Sixteen: Quadrangles

Godric was irked when Salazar returned to Ravenclaw estate. Rowena and Helga, taking inventory in the library, heard a loud explosion and rushed out of the manor to see Godric and Salazar duelling.

Godric yelled at Salazar, demanding to know how he could show his face here again. The area around Salazar was scorched black though the Dark wizard himself was unscathed. Godric grew increasingly furious when Salazar remained silent. He was about to cast another spell when Helga shouted, attracting their attention.

Rowena remembered how Salazar's eyes brightened when he saw her. She remembered the small smile that curved his lips as he walked towards her. Godric was confused. Helga moved to intercept Salazar, who neatly evaded her. Before Rowena realized it, he was standing directly in front of her.

Time seemed to stop as they looked at each other. Rowena remembered thinking Salazar had the most intense green eyes. She couldn't stop herself from looking into them. She couldn't stop staring at him. Then, he slowly raised his left hand and presented to her a single blue rose.

"It matches your eyes, Lady Ravenclaw," he said softly.

***

"Snuffles!" Harry cried out joyfully as the big black dog, that was his godfather in his Animagus form, bounded across the grounds towards him.

Harry laughed as Sirius jumped on him, heavy paws landing on Harry's chest and knocking the boy off his feet to fall down in the grass.

"Hey?! Stop it! Cut it out!" Harry futilely tried to stop Sirius as the dog slobbered all over his face with a big wet pink tongue.

"Snuffles!" Lupin reprimanded Sirius, struggling to get him off Harry. Ron and Hermione joined him, and together they finally managed to pull the overly enthusiastic and affectionate Snuffles off Harry, whose face was wet and a little sticky with dog drool. His bangs had been swept up from his forehead, revealing the lightning scar on it clearly.

"Idiot," Lupin told Sirius, who was sitting on his haunches, panting while Ron and Hermione helped Harry stand up.

It was three hours before dinnertime. Harry, Ron and Hermione had gone out with Lupin to see Sirius. Lupin also told them that the two of them would stay for the night here at Hogwarts. Much to Harry's disappointment, they would be leaving tomorrow morning.

Harry was trying to think of a way to get Sirius inside the castle when Godric came out. Thinking this was a lucky break, Harry was about to call out to him when he noticed that the other wizard seemed upset about something.

Godric didn't even notice Harry and the others as he strode pass them. He seemed to be headed towards the Forbidden Forest.

"What's wrong with him?" asked Ron curiously. Harry just shook his head. He didn't know either. Godric seemed fine just a while ago.

Snuffles whined, pawing questioningly at Lupin's robes. Hermione quickly told Sirius that the man who just passed by was Godric Gryffindor. Snuffles' ears perked up. Lupin grabbed Snuffles by the cuff of his neck before he went off running after Godric.

Rowena and Helga suddenly came out of the castle. Rowena looked worried, and Helga looked around and saw Harry.

"Harry," said Helga as she and Rowena walked over to them, "Did you see Professor Gloucester just now?"

Harry nodded. "He went that way," he answered, pointing in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.

Rowena looked anxiously at Helga. "We'd better go after him," she said.

"The two of you stay here." They all turned to see Salazar walking towards them with an aggravated look on his face. "I'll go after Godfrey," he said in a derisive tone. Before anyone else could say anything, Salazar went off in the path Godric took.

"What's going on?" Lupin asked Rowena and Helga. Rowena was about to answer him when Helga stopped her, tilting her head minutely towards Ron and Hermione. Harry hurriedly told her that they also know about them.

"Oh," said Helga, surprised, but she was pleased when Ron and Hermione greeted her and Rowena politely and properly introduced themselves. Both women were startled when Snuffles yapped at them and bent his furry head in a clear respectful manner, a dog though he was.

Rowena was distracted from her concern over Godric, and her lovely face lit with gentle affection as she patted Snuffles' head, saying what a handsome intelligent creature he was.

Harry choked back his amusement, Ron grinned, Hermione giggled and Lupin rolled his eyes skyward as Snuffles' tail wagged furiously with delight. Helga was surprised with their reactions and looked at them curiously.

Harry couldn't help himself and introduced Snuffles to them as his godfather, Sirius Black. Snuffles barked approvingly at Harry as he also explained to the twice surprised Rowena and Helga that due to certain circumstances, Sirius couldn't show himself as he truly was in Hogwarts.

"When there is time, Harry," Helga said warmly, "I hope you can tell us the entire story."

Harry smiled back at her and hoped there would be time. Meanwhile, Rowena was embarrassed and had stopped patting Snuffles, who looked disappointed.

"So what is wrong with Lord Gryffindor?" Harry asked finally.

Helga glanced at Rowena who again looked concern. "Godric," said Rowena, "asked your Headmaster about the Unforgivable Curses Justin mentioned during the lecture. He wanted to know what the two other Unforgivable Curses were."

"This was the first time we heard about them," explained Helga, "In our time, there was no such law though even then, we considered the Cruciatus Curse as horrendous." Then she frowned darkly. "Except for Salazar. It's one of his favorite curses. I warned him that if he ever used it in Hogwart, I would kick him out of the castle myself."

Guilt filled Harry, and he avoided Rowena's eyes when she glanced at him. He quickly asked Helga what Dumbledore told Godric.

Helga answered, "He said the other two curses were the Imperius Curse and Avada Kedavra." Helga sounded like this was the first time she had heard of the curses.

Rowena suddenly looked upset. "I don't know about the Avada Kedavra Curse, but the Imperius Curse..." She paused for a moment before reluctantly continuing, "My father created the Imperius Curse."

All of them, including Helga, stared at Rowena in shock.

***

Harry wanted to go after Godric and Salazar, but Lupin wouldn't let him. It was getting dark, he said, and he wanted Harry and the rest of them inside the castle. Reluctantly, Harry followed Lupin's advice, but as they went back inside, he saw Snuffles dashing off in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.

He would ask Sirius later, Harry decided.

The Great Hall was back to normal by dinnertime, but Harry didn't feel like eating his meal. Ron and Hermione urged him to eat something, and for their sakes, he managed to put away a chicken drumstick, but not much else.

Harry was too worried about Godric and Salazar. The two men might have been two of the most powerful wizards in history, but they were both wandless and may be in the extremely dangerous Forbidden Forest. Over at the staff table, Harry noticed that Rowena and Helga weren't paying much attention to dinner and dinner conversation.

Then, Harry remembered the lion pin Godric had given him. Ron and Hermione were startled when he suddenly jumped up from the table and hurried out of the Great Hall. Outside, he decided to go into the small anteroom off the entrance hall. He closed the doors just as Ron and Hermione rushed out of the Great Hall.

It should be private enough here, Harry decided as he took the lion pin off his robes. Unless ghosts came through the walls.

He held up the golden lion pin before his eyes. Minuscule ruby eyes stared back at him as he said, "I would like to speak to Lord Gryffindor."

Harry hadn't used the pin before, and he was surprised when the tiny lion jumped from his fingers and landed with a teeny clink on the floor. Harry almost screamed when it turned life-sized.

He backed away from it, his back hugging the wall as he stared agape at the lion, now six times Harry's size and weight. Its ruby eyes, the size of chicken eggs, looked back at Harry. Then much to his surprise, it lowered its massive head and crouched down on the floor.

Several moments passed before Harry realized that the lion wanted him to mount it. Trembling, Harry approached it hesitantly and climbed on its back. To his continued surprise, instead of cold solid gold, the lion's body felt warm, strong and pliant.

Harry felt braver and reached out his hands to touch the lion's coat. He was delighted to find that its hair was soft not coarse. This was much more comfortable than riding a hippogrif.

He almost fell off when the lion stood up. Instinctively, he grasped its mane for support. Harry's heart beat faster as the lion began to run. He yelled in alarm when they hit the wall.

Just like with the barrier at Platform Nine and Three Quarters, they passed through the wall as if it wasn't there. But Harry didn't see the other side of the wall immediately. All he could see were flashes of white light in darkness. He couldn't even see the lion he was riding though he felt its reassuring strong body underneath him.

Suddenly, the hair of the lion's mane began to slip through Harry's fingers, and he clenched his hands tightly, trying to hold on to it. But Harry was already falling off its back, and the next thing he felt was landing on something hard.

***

Someone was calling his name and slapping the side of his face gently. Harry frowned before slowly opening his eyes. His glasses were tilted on his nose, but he recognized Godric looking down at him worriedly.

He sat up hurriedly, wincing when the muscles of his back twinge in pain and adjusted his glasses.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Godric asked. When Harry nodded, he smiled slightly and picked up something from the floor. It was the lion pin. Harry blinked when Godric replaced it on Harry's robes, saying, "You must have wanted to see me quite badly since it brought you to me immediately."

Harry nodded and said, "I was worried since you and Lord Slytherin-" He broke off uncertainly for Godric's eyes had hardened at the mention of the other wizard's name. "... -didn't return to the castle by dinnertime..." Harry finished falteringly.

Abruptly, Godric stood up and walked away from Harry, who though concerned with Godric's current disposition couldn't help but look around the room they were in.

Harry immediately fell in love with this room. It was long and wide with ceiling to floor windows covering an entire long wall. Along one wide wall was a large bed with ample space along its sides. At the center of the wall facing the windows was a roaring fireplace. On both sides of it were waist-high bookshelves brimming with books, while above them on the wall were suspended weapons and armor.

Harry stared at them. There were swords of all kinds from rapiers to sabers. He saw a fine collection of daggers floating near a round golden buckler. There were so many shields. One in particular caught Harry's eye. It was a crimson crest shield with a golden lion. The lion was on its rear legs, its forepaws in mid air. As Harry looked at it, it turned its head and stared back at Harry.

"Harry," said Godric, and he started. He quickly looked back at Godric, who was looking at him curiously, and Harry realized he was still sitting on the granite floor. He stood up carefully, patting down and arranging the folds of his robes before straightening. Harry somehow felt he should present himself properly in Godric's presence.

Like a knight before his king.

But Godric didn't seem to want to talk. The older man was staring at a point over Harry's right shoulder, and Harry couldn't properly decipher the expression on the man's face. It seemed to be regret.

When the silence became unbearable for Harry, he asked without thinking, "Sir, where's Lord Slytherin?" Which was a wrong thing to say, for anger immediately flushed Godric's face, and he snarled, "Don't say that snake's name!"

Harry was shocked and frightened. He backed away from Godric until his back hit the window wall behind him.

"Never!" said Godric scathingly, "Never trust a Dark wizard! No matter how nice they may seem to be! No matter how genuine their smiles look or their laughter sounds, never trust them!"

Then just as sudden as his temper had broken, Godric calmed as quick. The anger in his brown eyes died to be replaced by remorse. Harry was just as utterly confused by this sudden silence as by his sudden anger.

Again, the quiet grew too heavy until Harry had to force himself to move closer to Godric, who had closed his eyes and who was breathing deeply.

Whatever had happened between him and Salazar...

"What happened, Sir?" said Harry softly. He watched closely as Godric's eyes opened. A humorless smile curved the older man's lips, and he chuckled. The sound was harsh and forced.

"That's just the problem," whispered Godric suddenly. He raised his hands and pressed them against his head as if dealing with a headache. "I don't know what happened," murmured Godric, "I don't know what happened after our memories were placed in the Sorting Hat." His eyes closed and jerked open. "I don't know why he left Hogwarts," he said softly, "I don't know when he betrayed me and broke his promise. I just know he must have."

"What promise was that?" asked Harry gently. Godric sounded like he was losing his sanity.

Godric's eyes closed, and he said, "He promised he would never tell anyone about Avada Kedavra."

"... I don't understand."

Godric's eyes snapped open, and he stared at Harry. His hands lowered, and his posture straightened. He looked very weary, but his eyes now told Harry that he was in control of himself.

"Harry," Godric said softly, "I created Avada Kedavra."

To be continued.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter Seventeen: Avada Kedavra

Much to Godric's and Helga's displeasure, Salazar visited Ravenclaw manor often. Rowena was flattered by this attention and his persistence despite all attempts on Godric's and Helga's part to drive him away. Intrigues between Light and Dark wizards were uncommon though not unheard of. As always between opposites, there was a fundamental attraction.

However, Rowena was noble-born. The Ravenclaws was considered as royalty by the Light Wizarding community. Salazar, on the other hand, came from a family belonging to the upper echelons of the Dark Wizarding society. Godric and Helga were not alone in their dislike of this particular match. Salazar, himself, was being pressured by his peers to stop this foolishness.

***

"Harry, I created Avada Kedavra."

For the next moments, Harry stared silently at Godric while his mind slowly digested the short and simple statement.

... He made the Killing Curse, thought Harry, closing his eyes and taking one step away and back from Godric. He frowned, brows twitching in an attempt to concentrate. The idea that Godric Gryffindor created the most powerful killing curse was taking a long time sinking into his brain and with good reason.

... He created the spell that killed my parents, Harry suddenly realized numbly. His eyes opened, but he couldn't seem to see anything clearly.

"... How could you make such a thing?" Asked Harry softly, pain and disbelief tinged his voice.

Blinded by confusion, Harry didn't see the agony that flashed in Godric's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Harry," said Godric suddenly. Harry's vision cleared to see that the other man had turned away. To Harry, it was a guilty action.

"I would like to be alone now," Godric said, dismissing Harry.

Shocked and disillusioned, Harry walked slowly passed Godric, who lifted his hand as if to stop him, but he let his hand down even as its fingers brushed the boy's robes.

The door was mercifully unlocked, and Harry opened it with trembling fingers. As soon as the door shut behind him, he ran out into the center of the bright hall. His eyes were suddenly blinded by tears, and his knees weakened. He stumbled and fell to floor, adamantly refusing to start crying.

He stared at the shiny marble floor for what seemed like forever then tensed when he heard footsteps behind him. He whirled, expecting that Godric had come after him. Instead, he saw green not red, and realized that Salazar was bending to one knee in front of him.

"I take it that he told you," Salazar said in a dry exasperated tone of voice, "well... judging by your expression, he didn't tell you everything. Avada Kedavra is not something he's proud of... when he should be." Harry glared at him. He didn't want to see him right now.

Green eyes stared back at him unflinchingly, and Harry started in surprise when Salazar poked a forefinger on the scar on Harry's forehead.

"Made by Avada Kedavra, I presume," Salazar asked rather breezily. Harry knocked away Salazar's hand and yelled at him, "Leave me alone!"

Harry's eyes widened in disbelief when Salazar suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him up to stand. Harry was stunned for three seconds then he began struggling to get away from Salazar.

"Let me go!" He punched and kicked, then yelped in alarm when Salazar grabbed the back of his robes and lifted him clean off the floor. The neckline of Harry's robes dug uncomfortably into his throat. His own sleeves pulled back his arms and hands as Salazar held Harry up a good meter from the floor.

Embarrassment at his current suspended position inflamed Harry's anger, and he tried his best to kick Salazar.

"I would not do that," Salazar said softly. His eyes narrowed and gleamed with a dangerous light. Then, they flicked downwards. Harry's eyes automatically followed and widened in alarm. There was a hole in the floor below him. Deep blue and wisps of white flowed past.

"We're miles above the castle," said Salazar lazily, "This is one way to get back down there."

Harry grabbed at Salazar's arm instinctively. "You wouldn't dare!" Harry bravely foolishly said to the older man.

Salazar's eyes were amused. "Definitely a Gryffindor," he said, shaking his head, "Courage and idiocy are the traits of your House."

Harry's fingers dug into the arm holding him. "You won't drop me," Harry insisted stubbornly.

He felt Salazar's fingers tightened on his robes. "How sure are you, young Gryffindor?" asked Salazar silkily.

Harry swallowed reflexively. How had he ever gotten into this mess? He tightened his hold on Salazar's arm and looked into smiling emerald eyes.

"You won't gain anything by killing me, Lord Slytherin," reasoned Harry softly.

Salazar tilted his head thoughtfully and smiled. "Good point." Harry saw his other hand moved, and when he looked down, the hole was gone. Harry relaxed a bit.

"I'll make a bargain with you, Harry." He looked back at Salazar who was regarding him shrewdly.

"What?" Harry said a touch out of breath. His head was getting a little dizzy from being held off the floor.

Again, Salazar's finger touched Harry's scar. "I was only guessing," he said, "but from your reaction, my guess must be correct. This was made by Godric's Killing Curse, wasn't it?"

Harry's jaw tightened, and he jerked his head away from Salazar's touch. "Yes, it is," he ground out.

Salazar's hand fell away, and interest lit his eyes. "Remarkable," he murmured in a tone that made Harry seem like a guinea pig in an experiment. Harry stared at him with disbelief. Salazar's moods were even more unpredictable than Godric's.

"What's the bargain?" Harry finally said loudly. He didn't like the way Salazar was looking at him. He looked like he wanted to dissect Harry.

Salazar blinked, and he let go of Harry, who dropped like a stone to the floor. Harry landed awkwardly on his knees and hands and barely heard Salazar's next words.

"Tell me how you blocked Avada Kedavra, and I'll tell you why Godric created it. He hasn't told you why he created it, I'm certain."

Harry paused and looked up at him with irritation. "Why would I want to know that?! I already know! It's to kill people!"

Salazar waggled a forefinger in front of Harry's face. "Never assume anything," he said wisely, "that's one of Godric's bad habits, and one of yours too, I see."

A furious Harry stood up and shouted at him, "You should talked! You broke your promise and spread Avada Kedavra!"

Salazar's eyes glinted with anger. "That's your and Godric's assumption," he said in a light dangerous tone, "whatever my true self did, he did because he had good reason to, but I haven't done it."

Harry shook with anger. "You are him," he said in a tone to match Salazar's.

The Dark wizard shrugged. "True, that I do not deny, but I would prefer not to be blamed for things I haven't done even if it was by me."

Deep inside, Harry knew that what Salazar was saying was true and honest. He was and wasn't the real Salazar who betrayed Godric. ... And... Harry suspected he was transferring his anger at Godric for creating the Killing Curse to Salazar. Better to hate the Dark wizard then his own House's Founder...

Suddenly, Harry felt so confused. He wanted to get away and just not think and not feel. He wanted to forget what he had just learned. His helpless confusion must have shown on his face, for Salazar remarked, "That Godric is an idiot."

Anger flared, and Harry snapped at him, "Shut up!"

Salazar folded his arms. "I will not. He is so too an idiot."

"He is not!"

"Is too. He didn't tell you why and how he created Avada Kedavra, correct?"

Harry faltered. "... No," he admitted unwillingly.

Salazar sighed loudly. "He should had explained, but he didn't. He would rather have you agonize over it. Same as what he is doing to himself, blaming for something he couldn't possibly do anything about. See? He's an idiot."

Harry barely kept himself from kicking Salazar in the shins. "Stop calling Lord Gryffindor an idiot!"

"All right... he's stupid then."

Harry now knew why Godric lost his temper so easily with Salazar. The Slytherin Lord could be so annoying.

Salazar was counting off his fingers. "He's a moron, imbecile, half-wit, fool- Ow!"

Harry had kicked him in the shin. Salazar winced in pain, reaching down a hand and lifting his injured leg. As he did so, Harry pushed him hard, knocking him off balanced. The older man landed on his back with a loud thud, and Harry quickly straddled his chest to keep Salazar from recovering quickly. He raised his fist, poised to pound at the other's face if he said another word against Godric.

What Harry didn't expect however was for Salazar to start laughing. The Dark wizard's laughter was unlike Godric's silent laughter. It was hearty, irrepressible, and infectious. Hearing it, Harry froze. He's weird, thought Harry immediately. Why'd he start laughing all of a sudden?

Then Harry felt very foolish, realizing what he had done. He had just attacked one of the Hogwarts Four, even though he had been goaded severely.

He quickly got off Salazar, who lifted himself to a sitting position, still chuckling.

"Do me a favor, boy," Salazar wheezed between chortles, "don't tell Godric to kick me in the shin. I'll never win in another fight with him."

"... Okay," said Harry softly slowly. He felt very embarrassed, but the emotion was easing away, driven off by Salazar's mirth. How strange that he felt more at ease with Salazar while he usually was nervous in Godric's presence. But then again, Harry did just got away with kicking Salazar in the shins.

Salazar coughed, clearing his throat of laughter as he stood up and rearranged his robes. Green eyes twinkled at him, and Salazar said, "Do you feel better now, Harry?

Harry stared at him and nodded. He did feel much better now and a little tired, as if something heavy had been drained from him.

"Splendid," said Salazar approvingly, and Harry blinked when for the third time, Salazar touched his scar. "Do we have an agreement? Tell me how you survived Avada Kedavra, and I will tell you how it came that your beloved Founder created the most powerful and effective Killing Curse ever known."

"... Agreed."

***

"Godric had to kill his own father, Harry."

"... What?"

"He killed his father."

"... That's not possible!"

"It is possible, and he did it with good reason as well."

"... How can you say that?! What good reason can there be for killing your own father?!"

"You would if your father was going to kill you and your mother."

"... You're enjoying this, aren't you?! It's not funny! Tell me everything that happened!"

"Are you sure you want to know every- All right! Keep your foot to yourself!"

"YOU ARE SO ANNOYING!"

"Thank you. It's a gift."

"ARGH!!!"

"... Stay away from that bottle!"

"I'm going to break it if you don't start being serious!"

"Fine. Fine. I'll give you the unabridged version. Godric's father had beaten a high-ranking Dark wizard in a duel. It was in public, and a very embarrassing situation. In any case, Lord Gryffindor had earned the ire of many of my colleagues."

"... This was over a duel?

"Yes. Keep away from that bottle or I swear there will be one less Gryffindor in this generation if anything happens to it."

"What happened next?"

"He was kidnapped and tortured. The wizards drank Polyjuice and took on the forms of his wife and son before using Crucio on him. When his mind finally broke, he was returned unconscious. When he awakened, he immediately attacked his own wife and son, thinking they were his tormentors."

"No matter what they did or say, he wouldn't believe them. Godric was only fourteen years old at that time. He tried to stop his father, but he was no match for a full-grown wizard, even an insane one at that. His mother was killed when she intercepted a spell her mad husband aimed at their son. In the end, Godric had to kill his own father using a spell he had made to painlessly kill animals downed during hunting. It was the strongest spell he knew."

"... Did you have any part in it?"

"None. I merely heard about it."

"You could have done something about it!"

"Why should I?"

"... Because he's your friend!"

"I didn't even know him when he was fourteen."

"You could have done something!"

"There was nothing I could have done. Stop insisting I could have done something."

"... How did you learn about the Killing Curse?"

"The Ravenclaw School was a target by my kind. Various teams were sent to destroy it. During one of these missions, a student was killed. Godric took personal responsibility for the death of that boy. It was then he had the notion that I could prevent these attacks."

"Could you?!"

"Somewhat. I made it clear to my kind that I considered it cowardly to view mere children as threats. They were dissuaded when I was present at the school. They were bolder when I was elsewhere. Godric began to insist that I be present at the school always."

"Did you agree?"

"Of course not. I wasn't about to allow myself to be a prisoner. I told Godric that, but he insisted, and he threatened to kill the next team sent to destroy the school. I confess I was amused by his threat. Light wizards have the reputation of being softhearted. He took offense that I doubted him and demonstrated just how serious he was."

"He killed a spider. When he looked back at me, I didn't hide my amazement. I immediately saw the curse for what it truly was. I agreed to stay at the school provided he taught me his killing curse. He was suspicious that I was so eager to learn it since there were so many other more flamboyant killing curses."

"He didn't even realized what he had created! I was so surprised by his ignorance that I told him he had made an unblockable killing curse. When he finally fully understood what he had created, he immediately demanded that I never ever tell anyone about it. He insisted. He made me promise that I would never reveal Avada Kedavra.

"... But you didn't keep your promise."

"Promises aren't a common custom among my kind, and besides, I haven't broken it."

"... What are you going to do now?"

"Make Godric angry at me, of course."

"... Huh?"

"It's the only recourse. Get him to blame me instead of himself. Believe me. You wouldn't want to deal with him when he's depressed and feeling all sorry for himself. You've seen him that way, haven't you?"

"... Yes, but-"

"Another thing, Harry. Make sure you don't tell anyone about this. Godric wouldn't appreciate it. He'd been trying so hard to keep it a secret and has been doing admirably, I must say. Even Rowena doesn't know about this."

"... Then, how did you know?"

"Godric tends to babble when he is drunk, and there are spells to make a person reveal their innermost secrets."

"... You what?!"

"I was curious, Harry, and I admit, a bit jealous."

To be continued.

Hearts and Hourglasses
Chapter 18: Gryffindor and Slytherin

Rowena never asked Salazar to turn over to their side. She knew better. As great as Salazar's affection was for her, magic was foremost to him and his ambition. It delighted Salazar that she knew him so well, and he often stayed for long hours at the manor, contented to be just near to her.

There was a large oak tree on the estate that he favored. Rowena often saw him dozing in it, sitting on a large sturdy branch with his back resting against the tree trunk. Children were curious and amused by this strange and peculiar man who loved to sleep in trees.

Godric and Helga warned them to stay away from him though it did little good even when they told them he was a Dark wizard. Salazar never did anything that gave them cause to fear him, and the children knew he liked Lady Ravenclaw as much as they did. He always had a gift for Rowena each time they met. Always something blue.

***

Salazar, Harry knew, did what he said he would. He got Godric furious at him. The next few days all the way into the weekend, it became crystal clear to the entire school that Professor Gloucester and Professor Scaevola were definitely not in the best of terms.

Classes were disrupted as shouting matches flared between the two men as quick as it took to cast a spell. In between classes, the hallways were congested as students played audience to standoffs between the two wizards. The animosity between the two men was so intense that everyone was expecting wands to be drawn soon.

Headmaster Dumbledore was concern as were all the other professors, but what could they say to Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, when even Rowena and Helga couldn't control them. Her eyes full of worry, Helga had tell Harry that she had never seen Godric this angry or Salazar so harsh with his words. It seemed to her that Salazar was deliberately baiting Godric.

Harry wanted to tell Helga, but didn't. If she and Rowena knew about Godric's past, it would only make the situation worse. Killing his own father was a deep wound that would never heal for Godric, and Salazar was not the sort to comfort and coddle. Instead he tormented Godric, making Godric blame him for spreading Avada Kedavra rather than letting Godric bemoan himself for creating the curse.

"Better anger than sadness," Salazar had stated matter-of-factly, "I cannot stand gloom and doom. You, Gryffindors, have this bothersome tendency to blame everything on yourselves. Waste of time. Godric will hate me, but better for him to hate me than himself."

When Harry had said to him that he must like Godric to go to so much trouble, Salazar gave him an incredulous look and snorted, "It is typical Gryffindor attitude to rate any action as either good or evil, honorable or repugnant, right or wrong and so forth."

"How would you describe what you're doing then?" Harry had demanded, stung by what the older man had said.

"Something useful, young Gryffindor," answered Salazar, "Necessary, with purpose and such. No illusions of nobility, mind you. The ends simply justify the means."

Harry remembered what the Sorting Hat sang about Slytherin.

Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.

Harry also remembered what Dumbledore said.

"- You happen to have many qualities Salazar Slytherin prized- resourcefulness --- determination --- a certain disregard for rules."

Both Sorting Hat and Dumbledore though have forgotten to mention how irritating Salazar Slytherin could be.

"I still think you care very much for Lord Gryffindor," Harry had stubborn insisted to Salazar, who calmly countered, "Think that if you wish, but he is still an idiot to me."

Harry wished he had Helga's staff.

***

Harry had spoken to Sirius before he and Lupin left. He asked his godfather about what he saw happened between Godric and Salazar.

"They were in the Forbidden Forest," Sirius had told him, "Gryffindor was shouting at Slytherin for breaking his promise. I don't know what that promise was, but it must have been very important to him."

"Slytherin was irritated. He told Gryffindor he hadn't broke the promise and reminded him that they weren't the real ones. I suppose he meant that they were only memories."

"What Slytherin said got to Gryffindor, and he calmed down. Then, he started talking about wishing he had never created it. Wished he hadn't been so soft-hearted when he was young, then his father would still be alive..."

Sirius broke off here, looking confused, and Harry had to persuade him to continue.

"... Slytherin became angry at Gryffindor and told him that he didn't have a choice then. If he hadn't done it, he would have been dead. Gryffindor suddenly shouted that he wished he had died. Then, he disappeared. A second later, Slytherin also vanished."

It took all of Harry's willpower not to tell Sirius and Lupin everything. It was even harder than when he had to not tell Ron and Hermione. His best friends were still peeved at him for leaving them all of the sudden in the Great Hall. Harry simply could not tell anyone what Godric had done. It just wasn't right to reveal something so personal and painful.

And how would the Wizarding world react if it got out that it was Godric Gryffindor who created Avada Kedavra?

Harry wasn't Salazar, and he suspected that he would never have known Godric's dark secret if the Dark wizard weren't so interested in finding a way to block Avada Kedavra. Salazar had been disappointed, much to Harry's immense annoyance, when he learned how Harry survived the Killing Curse.

"That's it?" Salazar had remarked, looking downcast, and Harry swore to himself to keep out of the Dark wizard's way from now on. His patience had never been as sorely tested. Harry wondered how the other Founders tolerated Salazar, especially Rowena who genuinely seemed to like him.

However, Harry was also staying away from Rowena. He certainly didn't want her to find out what he knew.

***

The hostility between Godric and Salazar came to include their respective Houses as well. Though House Gryffindor and House Slytherin were in the first place obvious enemies, enmity between their members intensified to the point that any double class with both Houses always ended in a brawl with the teacher-in-charge having to deal with excuses that they, the students, had the right to quarrel, because Professor Gloucester and Professor Scaevola were doing it.

It had become clear to the student body that the Headmaster and their teachers were turning a blind eye to the trouble caused by two of the Magical School Accreditation Team. In fact, more of the students were beginning to doubt who they really were.

It wasn't that Godric and Salazar had revealed who they really were. Rowena had cast a spell on the four of them, which prevented other people from hearing their true names. Instead, they would hear Godric as Godfrey, Salazar as Sextus while both Godric and Salazar would still hear their true names. It was a very complicated spell.

The spell was really only a safe guard since both Godric and Salazar were not even addressing each other directly. Instead, they tend to taunt the other's House, deriding the time-honored qualities of Gryffindors and Slytherins respectively. This further fueled the rivalry between the two Houses.

Harry feared the worse might happen. Even Ron and Hermione had stopped bothering Harry to tell them where he had gone off to. They were more worried, like Harry, of what might happen if the Founders were found out.

Fortunately, Quidditch trials began on the second week of term.

To be continued.

Chapters Sixteen to Eighteen has now ended.

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