by Ms. Elsewhere » Tuesday 4 August 2009 3:10:05pm
Helga Hufflepuff was making the last rounds of the halls before retiring for the night. There had been too many attacks on students, and everyone was on alert. Helga's heart ached for the dear first years who were muggle born. They were fearful enough coming to such a strange place, but Helga knew that it was the right thing to do, it was the purpose of Hogwarts. They would give all those magical a chance to succeed. Helga had been sent herself to invite the children to come to Hogwarts and learn about magic. So many of them had no where else to turn to, others were under the threat of being discovered and tortured for being a witch or wizard. Helga rounded another corridor, making her way down to the dungeons. She walked past Salazar's office. The light was still on. "Up so late, Salazar?" Helga chimed through the door.
"I am. As are you." he spoke but did not appear.
"Do I need to check your rooms?" Helga asked wearily.
"They have been searched. All is well here." Salazar appeared at the door. He did not look at Helga, but rather looked down the hall to a set of stairs leading further down.
"I see. Salazar?" Helga asked hesitently.
"Yes?" her collegue rubbed his eyes as he answered, in a way that showed his frustration.
"Tell me what is the matter? What is really wrong? Not just that there are children here who are not pure blood, but why have you forgotten why we built this place on in the beginning?" Salazar sighed at Helga's words.
"I grow so tired of your attempts to bring peace, Helga."
"Then put a stop to my attempts and MAKE peace then." Helga smiled. Salazar laughed and reached out to Helga, taking her hand.
"I will always have peace with you, dear girl." he patted her hand and released it. "But we are all strong personalities and you cannot expect there to be agreement always." Salazar turned to enter his room again. "Oh, and would you mind checking the room at the bottom of the stairs and making sure it is locked. And please do so after you send my son back to the Slytherin Commonroom."
"Searpente is down there? Salazar, you mustn't break the rules! No one is above them. The boy should be in the common room now."
"So send him there and leave me be! Good night, Professor." Salazar bowed politely, and then closed the door hard.
Helga sighed and turned toward the staircase. She walked down and heard hissing noises which un nerved her at first. She found the boy there, hissing and talking to a small but very vicious looking snake. Helga shivered. She didn't like reptiles, but so many students had all sorts of these kinds of pets, so she held her tongue and showed tolerence. She realised now that Searpente was speaking the snakes language. So much like his father.
"Hello, Searpente. Your father has allowed you time here long enough. It's time for bed. I expect the snake stays here? It is too dangerous to take to your room."
"Searpente,