Reluctant Acceptance: Part Three
Characters: Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff
Word Count: About 1,350
Rating: G
It was not Salazar who had started the argument over pure bloods and muggleborns. That honor rested with his departed grandfather. It was a war which was to be handed down through the generations. Salazar knew the war did not end with him, but he still felt obligated to fight. As he grew in years and saw the mistakes his kind were making, Salazar’s rage grew within him. He struggled against it while teaching these muggleborns in his classes. He struggled against it during dinners. It was as though the war between purebloods and muggleborns was waging only in his heart and mind.
And there was another battle waging within him as well. Salazar felt nothing but the feel of cold metal against his heart whenever he spoke to Helga. It was as though the woman was a curse sent to him. She had been in his mind for many years and the constant presence of her now that they lived within the same walls was too much for him to bear.
He had been merely a boy when he first laid eyes on Helga. Just passing his twenty-second birthday, Salazar was being forced into a marriage by his mother and father. They were eager to continue the bloodline of the Slytherin family. Salazar was more interested in learning more about potions than taking interest in a bride, but he knew better than to go against his father’s wishes.
Once a month we would endure a long and elaborate dinner at the family home. His mother would come to his chambers before hand and present him with the most fashionable attire she could find. Always it was a deep emerald color and always he placed the Slytherin family crest ring on his hand. He then joined his family for dinner, and slightly counted down the hours until his potential bride would leave. He cared not who they were or what they enjoyed. He knew his opinions mattered not and therefore found no logic in actually speaking to the ladies.
One day Salazar was working in his chambers. He had discovered and ancient text in the family library and was trying to translate it. With each sentence he uncovered, the more excited he grew. This book spoke of splitting one’s soul into different parts. It was a dark book and he thought it may have been penned in blood. However, the power of the subject enticed him so much that he could not put it down.
His mother had knocked several times before entering the room and Salazar had not heard a single one. Suddenly his book snapped shut and he turned around, surprised to see his fair mother standing in front of him. She handed him his outfit for the evening and Salazar’s heart sank. It was the second time this month that such a dinner had occurred. He feared that this meant his parents had indeed chosen a bride.
Salazar dressed and joined his mother and father in the foyer of their estate. His father had a smirk upon his face and wore his best clothing. “It is time you meet this last woman, son. Too long have we entertained ladies without making a decision.” Salazar nodded and took to watching out the window. He knew that the ideal woman for his parents to choose would be very much like his sister and mother. She would be fair, of course, but she would also be cold. There would be no joy resting in her heart. She would be approaching this marriage in the same way he would; as a duty.
A carriage had begun making its way down the path. Salazar collected his thoughts and stood next to his parents like a dutiful son. His sister had taken a seat in the foyer, a wicked gleam in her eyes. He met her gaze and groan internally. This dinner was her doing and he knew that didn’t bode well.
His father opened the door and the family watched as a young woman stepped out of the carriage. A simple black slipper was the first glimpse Salazar was granted. As she proceeded to leave the carriage, he was met with a gown of a deep brown. She emerged fully and smiled warmly at her hosts. Salazar met her gaze and was taken aback. Her warm brown eyes and curly golden hair caught him by surprise. There was clearly no coldness in this young woman. In fact, if he wasn’t mistaken, this was the happiest woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Not much had changed since that dinner many years ago. Salazar was searching for a wife, his sister was still plotting against him and Helga was still the happiest woman he had ever met. Despite protests from his family, Salazar had formed a friendship with Helga over the years. Godric had begun to suggest the idea of Hogwarts to him. Although the idea of being able to education young wizards and witches intrigued him, Salazar had reservations about joining his friend.
Several months after Godric had first written him, Salazar received a letter from Helga.
Dearest Salazar,
Word has come to me that our dear friend Godric has asked you to work with us in developing this school. From his letters, I can only assume you are not convinced that this is the best path for you to take. He had mentioned that you remain very aloof about the prospect. I feel as though you may need some gentle encouragement from an old friend.
Yes, Godric has asked me to join him as well. He believes my compassion and wisdom would be an asset to the school. You and I both know that my compassion is far more superior than my wisdom, but if he wishes for me to teach these children I must agree. He has informed me that Rowena Ravenclaw will be joining the school as well. The very thought of having such close friends working together to better the lives of every witch and wizard fills me with a sense of joy.
I do believe, however, that this school will not function as well without you there. You have such a drive to learn everything you can. Although we each tease Rowena about her fondness for books, I know that it is you with the mind which absorbs knowledge. You have a respect for subjects in magic than many of us are too weak and afraid to peruse.
While this letter conveys my interests in your joining Hogwarts for your knowledge, I also wish to express my desire to see you there as a friend. As you know, my family has faded with time. You and your sister and mother are all which remain of your family as well. Before long I fear we will be truly alone. What greater way that to be surrounded by people who truly do love you, Salazar?
Please consider Godric’s offer. I know it is the right path for you, Salazar.
Your friend,
Helga.
Salazar closed his eyes and laid the parchment on the table. It was not easy to explain to Godric was he was feeling uneasy about going to Hogwarts, but he would fail miserably if he tried explaining it to Helga. Sighing, he knew it would be better to journey to the school with his friends than try to argue with her. She had an annoying way of piercing his thoughts with those eyes of hers. He suspected it was a talent she possessed, but didn’t speak of.
Fearing it rude to leave her without an answer, Salazar seized a spare bit of parchment and scrawled out a response.
Helga,
After the incessant hounding you and Godric have given me, I have decided I could find the time to join you at this Hogwarts. Look for my arrival at the end of the spring. And please be so kind to make sure my quarters are suited far away from Godric’s. He is rather fond of chatting and as you and I both know, I’m not too keen on conversation.
Salazar
By the way, are you sure you aren’t an Animagus? Because I do believe you would make the most superb badger. Lord knows you’ve been badgering me for years.
Word Count: About 1,350
Rating: G
It was not Salazar who had started the argument over pure bloods and muggleborns. That honor rested with his departed grandfather. It was a war which was to be handed down through the generations. Salazar knew the war did not end with him, but he still felt obligated to fight. As he grew in years and saw the mistakes his kind were making, Salazar’s rage grew within him. He struggled against it while teaching these muggleborns in his classes. He struggled against it during dinners. It was as though the war between purebloods and muggleborns was waging only in his heart and mind.
And there was another battle waging within him as well. Salazar felt nothing but the feel of cold metal against his heart whenever he spoke to Helga. It was as though the woman was a curse sent to him. She had been in his mind for many years and the constant presence of her now that they lived within the same walls was too much for him to bear.
He had been merely a boy when he first laid eyes on Helga. Just passing his twenty-second birthday, Salazar was being forced into a marriage by his mother and father. They were eager to continue the bloodline of the Slytherin family. Salazar was more interested in learning more about potions than taking interest in a bride, but he knew better than to go against his father’s wishes.
Once a month we would endure a long and elaborate dinner at the family home. His mother would come to his chambers before hand and present him with the most fashionable attire she could find. Always it was a deep emerald color and always he placed the Slytherin family crest ring on his hand. He then joined his family for dinner, and slightly counted down the hours until his potential bride would leave. He cared not who they were or what they enjoyed. He knew his opinions mattered not and therefore found no logic in actually speaking to the ladies.
One day Salazar was working in his chambers. He had discovered and ancient text in the family library and was trying to translate it. With each sentence he uncovered, the more excited he grew. This book spoke of splitting one’s soul into different parts. It was a dark book and he thought it may have been penned in blood. However, the power of the subject enticed him so much that he could not put it down.
His mother had knocked several times before entering the room and Salazar had not heard a single one. Suddenly his book snapped shut and he turned around, surprised to see his fair mother standing in front of him. She handed him his outfit for the evening and Salazar’s heart sank. It was the second time this month that such a dinner had occurred. He feared that this meant his parents had indeed chosen a bride.
Salazar dressed and joined his mother and father in the foyer of their estate. His father had a smirk upon his face and wore his best clothing. “It is time you meet this last woman, son. Too long have we entertained ladies without making a decision.” Salazar nodded and took to watching out the window. He knew that the ideal woman for his parents to choose would be very much like his sister and mother. She would be fair, of course, but she would also be cold. There would be no joy resting in her heart. She would be approaching this marriage in the same way he would; as a duty.
A carriage had begun making its way down the path. Salazar collected his thoughts and stood next to his parents like a dutiful son. His sister had taken a seat in the foyer, a wicked gleam in her eyes. He met her gaze and groan internally. This dinner was her doing and he knew that didn’t bode well.
His father opened the door and the family watched as a young woman stepped out of the carriage. A simple black slipper was the first glimpse Salazar was granted. As she proceeded to leave the carriage, he was met with a gown of a deep brown. She emerged fully and smiled warmly at her hosts. Salazar met her gaze and was taken aback. Her warm brown eyes and curly golden hair caught him by surprise. There was clearly no coldness in this young woman. In fact, if he wasn’t mistaken, this was the happiest woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Not much had changed since that dinner many years ago. Salazar was searching for a wife, his sister was still plotting against him and Helga was still the happiest woman he had ever met. Despite protests from his family, Salazar had formed a friendship with Helga over the years. Godric had begun to suggest the idea of Hogwarts to him. Although the idea of being able to education young wizards and witches intrigued him, Salazar had reservations about joining his friend.
Several months after Godric had first written him, Salazar received a letter from Helga.
Dearest Salazar,
Word has come to me that our dear friend Godric has asked you to work with us in developing this school. From his letters, I can only assume you are not convinced that this is the best path for you to take. He had mentioned that you remain very aloof about the prospect. I feel as though you may need some gentle encouragement from an old friend.
Yes, Godric has asked me to join him as well. He believes my compassion and wisdom would be an asset to the school. You and I both know that my compassion is far more superior than my wisdom, but if he wishes for me to teach these children I must agree. He has informed me that Rowena Ravenclaw will be joining the school as well. The very thought of having such close friends working together to better the lives of every witch and wizard fills me with a sense of joy.
I do believe, however, that this school will not function as well without you there. You have such a drive to learn everything you can. Although we each tease Rowena about her fondness for books, I know that it is you with the mind which absorbs knowledge. You have a respect for subjects in magic than many of us are too weak and afraid to peruse.
While this letter conveys my interests in your joining Hogwarts for your knowledge, I also wish to express my desire to see you there as a friend. As you know, my family has faded with time. You and your sister and mother are all which remain of your family as well. Before long I fear we will be truly alone. What greater way that to be surrounded by people who truly do love you, Salazar?
Please consider Godric’s offer. I know it is the right path for you, Salazar.
Your friend,
Helga.
Salazar closed his eyes and laid the parchment on the table. It was not easy to explain to Godric was he was feeling uneasy about going to Hogwarts, but he would fail miserably if he tried explaining it to Helga. Sighing, he knew it would be better to journey to the school with his friends than try to argue with her. She had an annoying way of piercing his thoughts with those eyes of hers. He suspected it was a talent she possessed, but didn’t speak of.
Fearing it rude to leave her without an answer, Salazar seized a spare bit of parchment and scrawled out a response.
Helga,
After the incessant hounding you and Godric have given me, I have decided I could find the time to join you at this Hogwarts. Look for my arrival at the end of the spring. And please be so kind to make sure my quarters are suited far away from Godric’s. He is rather fond of chatting and as you and I both know, I’m not too keen on conversation.
Salazar
By the way, are you sure you aren’t an Animagus? Because I do believe you would make the most superb badger. Lord knows you’ve been badgering me for years.