Meetings

Being a timid and quiet woman, Helga was unsure of how to take to the other three in the room. They all sat, staring at the each other. They had all met before but no strong ties were formed, at least between herself. Out of the four she was the least well known and the newest addition to their plan. Yet, here they were starting a school for witches and wizards. They would all have to work together. The only problem was, could they trust each other enough to do so?

The one called Gryffindor spoke first. Helga always found him to be bold (when she saw or heard from him), nearly to the point of being forward but in this time they needed someone to speak up. "How will we all go about choosing our students? Now that our school is nearly finished, we must find students who have potential to be excellent additions to our society. Students we can all trust with our secret."

The four seemed apprehensive, their endeavor could either be a success or failure. If the muggles were to discover any of the children's abilities it would lead to ruin. Rowena Ravenclaw, a beautiful, slender woman, whom dwarfed Helga in both brains and beauty stood and looked towards Gryffindor. "It is important that we locate each child born with magical abilities. We cannot afford to lose any potential. Our race is small but if we can raise them in magic, then perhaps we will not have to remain so hidden."

Godric nodded in agreement, "A perfectly sound plan, thank you Rowena." The two smiled at each other as Rowena took her seat. Helga noted that the two already seemed friendly but had no time to dwell on it before another caught her attention. The dark and solemn Slytherin remained firmly seated at the end of the table. The fact that the charming and handsome Godric remained on the other end only contrasted the difference between them. Slytherin leaned forward and looked toward Rowena, his eyes were piercing but Ravenclaw did not find him in the least bit intimidating.

While Helga marveled at how one could seem so cold, Salazar spoke. "You are a wise woman, Ravenclaw. Should we not choose our students with more care? There are those with magical abilities that are inept and entirely unworthy to practice magic."

"What is your meaning?" Rowena arched one of her brows and glanced towards Helga. Who was too silent for her liking.

"I speak of those whose blood is not pure, tainted by those who would have us all burned." Slytherin spoke bitterly but kept his silky voice to a low rumble. It was not like one of his class and stature to raise his voice. The room fell silent at his statement. The woman looked up at each other, both unsure of how to respond. Godric only furrowed his brow, clearly in utter disagreement to Slytherin's opinion.

"We cannot refuse those who are like us, no matter their lineage, Salazar! You know we are too few in numbers to ever be so selective." Godric spoke with a finality, no man would speak out against Gryffindor. No man except Slytherin.

"Would you have our kind breed until there is no magic left? I say we only teach those who are pure. Is it so difficult to see what this love of muggles will do to us all?" No answer came to Salazar from any of the three founders. Feeling his time was being wasted, Slytherin sat back in his chair. "I will refuse to take in any who are unworthy under my care."

Rowena shook her head and looked toward Godric, "Might I suggest a solution? We each select our own students. Those we teach personally. Between the four of us we can all take in those that we see best fit in our eyes."

Slytherin smirked and then looked toward Godric. The two were friends but fought constantly. Their friendship never had a day of peace and today was no exception. "I accept that plan but what of the mudbloods? Who will take them under their care?"

Helga's gaze, that had remained on the table top for a large majority of the time, shifted towards Slytherin. Her gaze softened as she took in his hard demeanor. It was instinct to show kindness to those who were hard. "I will." Helga said, quietly but firmly. Slytherin's eyes met hers and widened, "Are you not pure in your bloodline, Lady Hufflepuff?"

"I am, yes." Helga knew that this Slytherin would not like this fact but she frowned upon falsehood. "I will take any student that the three of you deem unworthy to take under your tutelage. There is a faith in me that anyone can be great. They all must be given a chance."

The noble Slytherin only stared at Hufflepuff, his eyes looked her up and down. All emotion was vacant on his face, he simply stared. It was only when he spoke that some hint to his emotion was given. He was appalled. "Why would you lower yourself so easily? One of pure lineage should-"

Godric stood and placed both hands on the wooden table, "Enough, Salazar! You will not go about telling lady Hufflepuff how to act. Rowena has offered a solution, we shall take it. Hufflepuff has accepted that she will take any child that we do not wish to teach. There should be no more groaning from your person, is that clear?" When Godric spoke the room always seemed to grow quiet. He was their appointed leader and it seemed Salazar was willing to submit to him for the moment.

The tension that Slytherin was emitting seemed to simmer down. His eyes traveled towards Helga and he forced a sly smirk. It was apparent that he was not through with her but held his tongue. "Very well. Forgive me, my lady, for being so hasty. You will find that my beliefs are not silenced so easily. I will try and remember my manners next we meet." The tall dark figure rose from his seat and left Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw to their thoughts.

Helga's cheeks were flushed, she never could handle confrontation. Godric looked towards her and let out a sigh, "Salazar has a temper. If he allows you to approach him you will find that he is an acquired taste. You are the least acquainted with all of us but I'm sure in time we will all be able to work together." Rowena flashed a comforting smile as Godric spoke, clearly in agreement with him.

"Thank you. I'm sure that we will. I think it best for me to take my place in the kitchens. I pride myself in being an exceptional cook. Perhaps I can treat you all to a meal? We are after all going to be together in this castle for sometime. I thought it would be nice if-"

"That would be lovely Helga, thank you." Rowena cut her off, knowing she would continue making excuses for herself. Although the two met only weeks ago, Rowena felt that she knew Helga very well. There was a sweetness to her that she found familiar and welcoming. Rowena could easily see Helga for who she was by their short interactions. Helga was too giving with her emotions and thoughts. Anyone could read her like an open book.

The kitchen at Hogwarts had touches that were added specifically for Helga. Every founder worked on the building of the school and each of them had interests that crossed over into the design. Helga was proud of her talent with food. However, she was unlike any average woman who cooked. As a witch she could make an array of dishes that would have anyone begging for more. Serving a well enjoyed meal brought Helga satisfaction. She may not be a woman of extreme talent but she could lighten any mood with a good meal.

Looking around the kitchen she was pleased to find all the ingredients she needed. Wringing her fingers through her hair she quickly gathered it into a bun, using a hairpin she kept with her at all times. Afterword she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. For the first time, Helga could imagine herself living happily at this school. It seemed there was a place for her here after all. Even if she was the least talented out of the four she still would offer up all she knew. Especially to the students that needed her most.

Helga, who was busy with her thoughts and cooking did not notice the man watching her from the doorway. Salazar remained silent and kept his gaze focused on Hufflepuff. He had not paid her much attention before but now he wanted to learn about her. All he could think of was how the setting suns rays streaming in from the window made her fair hair turn golden. She was not a horrid sight to behold. Helga was not as outstandingly beautiful as Rowena but instead had soft curves and gentle eyes that made one find her easy to gaze upon.

Though, it was not her appearance that lured Salazar. It was the way she spoke earlier that day. Stepping in further he held back a smirk as she noticed his presence. "I must apologize again, only this time for startling you."

Helga shook her head and glanced back down to her work. "Oh, no. All is forgiven." She said softly, her double meaning apparent in her tone. Returning to kneading the dough she was unaware that Salazar had come closer.

"I wished to speak with you on what we had discussed earlier. I find you are gravely misinformed." Salazar held himself in high regard and was certain that he was entirely right. He was sure Hufflepuff would see to reason. It was his confidence that blinded him from seeing Helga's nature and the reason she was willing to take the mudbloods in.

When he spoke again she jumped once more, only this time she seemed off put by his words. "I'm sorry?"

Slytherin leaned forward, across the table from her and frowned. "About you teaching the mudbloods."

Helga nodded then and looked up, flicking her wand to have her work continue by itself. Wiping off her doughy hands on a towel she considered Slytherin for a moment. "I take them in because you will not. I shall take any student with magic that is not wanted by you, Godric or Rowena." She paused then and took in a deep breath. Slytherin intimidated her. Everything about him made her feel small. It did not help that she could not understand him. Even his eyes were unreadable. "I know of your views, I understand but I cannot reject those who need to be taught, no matter the lineage. In that belief, I will not waver from."

The frown on Slytherin's face immediately faded. His demeanor changed from a conversational, somewhat open state to a closed off, cold one. "I see." His eyes traveled to Helga's and he swallowed hard. "I can see that we are not alike, you and I." Hufflepuff intrigued Slytherin, he was not accustomed to her generosity. It nearly aggravated him that one could be so giving.

"No. We are not alike. However, you are invited to dine with the others and I. We are all going to work alongside each other. I thought it would be best if we begin to dine together, to become more acquainted." Helga spoke with such sincerity that Slytherin found her thoughtfulness unnatural.

"I shall consider it." He stated vacantly. Slytherin took one long look into her eyes. She was a complete puzzle to him. One he wanted to work out. His face did not give away the slightest inkling as to what he was thinking. His eyes remained emotionless and cold as the locked with hers. After what seemed like an eternity of him standing in silence, he gave a bow then he turned from the room. Striding off he seemed to leave the room colder than it had been before.

Helga kept looking toward the door, expecting for Slytherin to walk through. Godric and Rowena were chatting away about plans for the school but Helga remained silent. She wanted for the four of them to get along. Slytherin seemed disturbed by her taking in the students he did not want. If this was to cause a rift between them it must be sorted out, Helga could not stand the thought of contention. Helga's eyes were averted from the door as soon as Rowena spoke.

"The meal is exquisite, Helga. It seems you have excelled where I cannot. The art of cooking is a talent I have never grasped." Rowena said sincerely. Godric nodded in agreement but was too busy eating to add to Ravenclaw's complement.

"Thank you." Helga smiled and was thrilled that the meal was being enjoyed. "Though, I must protest. I am sure you can cook perfectly well. I am positive you're simply being modest."

Rowena laughed and shook her head, "Modest! Hardly! I can get by if I have the help of books with instructions. I do not have the skill you do." Pausing Ravenclaw took a long look at Helga before chuckling. "You are too kind and have too much faith in me, Helga." The woman exchanged smiles but then returned to eating their meal.

After nearly cleaning his plate, Godric spoke, "Was Salazar informed of our dining together?" He seemed surprised by the absence of his friend.

"Yes, we spoke earlier in the kitchens. He said he would consider it." Helga frowned and pushed some food around on her plate. His coldness did not sit well with her. It was not a behavior she was accustomed to.

Godric noticed Helga's weariness of his actions and smiled softly. "As I said before, Salazar is an acquired taste. It is, however, his loss. This meal is wonderful, Lady Hufflepuff. If Slytherin does not make an appearance I shall have to help myself to his share."

To door opened then and Salazar swiftly entered the room. His clothing was embroidered with the finest fabrics and materials, he looked as if he were going to a kings court. The dark colors of his figure seemed to contrast against the golden glow of the fire, making him clash with his surroundings. He looked out of place but made himself appear as if he belonged. Helga was pleased to see him come and greeted him with a smile. Slytherin's mouth only twitched in response before he looked to the others. "I think I shall have my share Godric. We both know that you must watch that figure of yours."

Godric huffed and glanced over at Helga. "You are forgetting your manners my friend. Should you not apologize to Helga? After all, she is the one who prepared this meal for us and you nearly missed it."

Slytherin turned and faced Hufflepuff. He locked his gaze with her own before bowing his head quickly to avert his eyes. His formality never wavered, not even for such a relaxed occasion. Even if he came from a noble blood line, he was not royalty. Helga wondered what made him so. "My lady. Forgive me, I was working in my study when time escaped me."

There were deep, muffled chuckles coming from Godric as he took a sip of wine. Slytherin's gaze shot towards him and Gryffindor silenced his amusement. Letting out a sigh, Slytherin raised his gaze to Hufflepuff. His eyes searched her face but for what purpose would not be known for a long time. Helga only gave Slytherin a nod before smiling in her own way. "You are forgiven. Please, sit and dine with us."

Slytherin took his place at the other end of the table and Rowena started to talk of her plans for the staircases at Hogwarts. Godric listened intently but Helga's eyes remained on her plate. It was not until she happened to glance up that she noticed Slytherin was discreetly looking up at her. When he saw her look his way he raised his head as to make his action more known.

His words from earlier echoed in her ears then. "I can see that we are not alike, you and I". The two held each other in their sights until Godric addressed Salazar. Breaking his gaze Slytherin turned to Gryffindor and the two began to talk. Helga, was left bewildered. They were not alike, yet, there was something else in their silent exchange. There was something else that she did not understand.