Disclaimer: The characters and setting belong to the Harry Potter universe, as written by J.K. Rowling. The incidences that follow are speculation from the hints provided in her books. Since there is no real way to know the personalities of the Four Founders of Hogwarts, I am taking liberties with the generalizations and using the time period the Founders supposedly lived to create a unique view of the founding of the school.

Chapter 1: Enter the Antagonist

She had been six when the stranger arrived. She and Helga had been playing in the gardens when he arrived. They had heard him whistling before he ever came into view. The first thing he had done was smile at them. His smile was quite pleasant, but she remembered his brilliant green eyes, how they glittered with unspent energy, mischievously sparkling as though he were nothing more than a little boy looking for trouble.

The next thing the stranger did was transfigure the daisy-chain she and Helga had been making into a lovely wreath of white roses and said that such beautiful girls should have equally beautiful flowers to adorn themselves with.

He then directed his attention to the nearest adult and courteously requested to attend upon the Lord of the manor.

Rowena had known as soon as she saw him that the stranger would make life more interesting. But at the time she could not have know in what way. She had followed, eager to see what brought this tall stranger to visit her father.

The stranger had been told to wait until her father accepted the request for audience. She had crept in with the messenger. Lord Ravenclaw had been conducting a class of younger students. Her friend, Godric Gryffindor was in that class and smiled at her while her father was listening to the messenger.

"You are dismissed for the day," her father had said. "Godric, stay a moment. Come here, Rowena and tell me where you received those roses." She had practically jumped on him and he had laughed heartedly.

"The stranger did this, father. He changed Helga's and mine daisy chains. Is he staying?" By that time the stranger had entered and waiting patiently for Lord Ravenclaw to recognize him. He still had that sly smile in his eyes, but otherwise held his posture to a far more serious note.

"Did he now?" her father merely sounded curious. "You name, sir."

"Salazar Slytherin, my Lord Ravenclaw, at your service." The stranger bowed quite formally.

"Slytherin, eh? From the south of this country. Do you by chance know the Docilus family?"

"I do, my Lord. It was Lord Docilus who recommended that I seek employment with you, sir. He also bade me present to you a letter of recommendation, should you request one."

"Well, bring it here." Salazar withdrew parchment from an inner pocket and moved to approach. "Rowena, go sit with Godric for the time being." Ravenclaw accepted the letter and Salazar retreated several steps. The room was silent as her father read. After the pause, "So you wish to learn and you wish to teach. Suitable enough goals to be sure. You are how old?"

"Twenty-one, my Lord."

"Who taught you before?"

"My mother until I was the age of nine. Then Lord Docilus until I was the age of seventeen. I spent the recent four years studying privately and experimenting under Lord Docilus."

"Docilus said as much. You are apparently exceptional when it comes to charms and transfigurations. Not to mention a good memory for runes and astronomy. The only aspect Docilus mentions that you could improve upon is potions. Though if I am to understand you correctly, you have no desire to pursue potions."

"No, my Lord. That is not the course I desire to study in depth, though there is no doubt that I will wish to continue to research that field at my leisure."

"Ambitious, to be sure. As it is, I work with an astounding Potions Master, though rather eccentric, who would not doubt, when time allows, love to have you assist in his projects. Now, as I am sure you will want time to continue your work, I have need for an assistant at the moment, and doubtless Docilus knew it. I believe you will assist most in transfiguring. I am not ashamed to admit that I can only cover the basics well enough for the students to understand. We shall see what will come in runes, charms and astronomy. What say you to these terms?"

"They are truly more than I anticipated, my Lord." Salazar bowed once more.

"Excellent." Ravenclaw then strode over to where she waited with Godric. "You have already met my daughter, Rowena, and her friend, Helga Hufflepuff. She is a cousin of this boy, here. Godric Gryffindor." Salazar nodded at the introduction since he wasn't really required to say anything in response. Ravenclaw continued as if the tall stranger had not reacted at all. "If Docilus is correct about you there should be no trouble but you adapting to my house and school. Such as it is. We will draw up the contract after supper this evening. I'll have Renatta show you rooms you may use and give you a tour of the manor. You may unpack until she comes to escort you to supper."

Rowena waved at Renatta as the elderly nurse walked in. She wasn't really elderly particularly since she was very robust and acted with such strength Rowena forgot the old witch was really old. Renatta was her caretaker since Lady Ravenclaw died two years ago. And even before that. Rowena had watched the tall stranger leave and had thought it curious that her father had accepted such a young man as his assistant.

* * *

Supper was always a formal occasion when Ravenclaw held classes. Usually during the winter months when the children could be pulled away from the farms and villages and various chores to stay in the manor and learn to control their magic. It freed up the parents who had to cope with much more troubling issues. Or parents who were just not cut out for teaching. Unfortunately for the children, only the richer families could afford to send their children away. Those who lived under the Ravenclaw family benefited greatly. They were one of the very few wizarding families to have high standing among the outside world. Despite that fact Ravenclaw had to keep the wizarding elements invisible or else he'd be murdered by the hordes of people who hated witchcraft. But he continued to teach.

Ravenclaw as head of the small castle had his table on a dais. Beside him sat his daughter and his companion teachers. Salazar, because he was new, had to sit below amongst the older students. Lord Ravenclaw was a firm believer in class structure. Slytherin wasn't even introduced on the first night. He was polite to all and talked contently with the older students and did everything he could to make sure that Ravenclaw didn't change his mind about keeping the young man on as an assistant.

That evening Lord Ravenclaw didn't come to wish her goodnight like he did every night for all six years of her life. Renatta had told her that Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin were in a meeting. Rowena would find out the details of this meeting many years later when she became the head of the Ravenclaw household. But at the time, she was six and did not understand the true complexities of what was transpiring in the Ravenclaw manor.

The years passed. And every spring Godric and Helga and most of the other students returned to their homes for the summer work. That was the time Rowena's father and the other teachers of the school spent time on their own projects. She normally saw Salazar off reading by himself in the garden or talking with old Master Windtroph, the Potions Master. He always had a smile for her. And many times a flower.

She was eighteen before she really saw much of him. Oh he had been her teacher in many things, but they had never really spoken beyond the subject matter. He had a way with words that never failed to keep her attention. It wasn't until she was eighteen when she really understood the vassal system she would be leading when her father died. Godric was her knight, to use the term loosely, dedicated through his family ties to keep her and her surrounding lands protected. He spent much of his time practicing dueling with a wand and with a sword since finishing his education with Lord Ravenclaw. Helga was about her equal. The Hufflepuffs were also of a long line of noble wizards. Just as the Docilus family who recommended Salazar Slytherin to her father. But Salazar was not of noble birth.

That much was clear. No matter how refined he spoke or how knowledgeable he was, he had come here with a letter of recommendation to be come an assistant. Which meant, Salazar was a commoner. At best he was a rich man without land or title, but likely he was a very gifted wizard Docilus found in his lands and trained him properly. But there was a limit to how high Salazar could go. Without title and rank, Salazar would never make it beyond an influential advisor. Rowena knew that in this world and time ambition was stopped swiftly by those who controlled the world. Lord Ravenclaw was among the highest wizards in Britannia. But while she was just a child, Rowena could never have guessed the methods he would use to keep the status quo.

She had gone looking for Salazar that summer as her friends had returned home. She wanted a conversation partner as well as someone to over see her construction of a new charm. Everyone sent her to his room, which she found locked. Loud noises like an argument came through the solid wood and as she pressed her ear next to it something clanged against it violently. Knocking she called out, "Salazar? Are you busy in there?"

After many more thuds and non-magical curses that Rowena could only suspect he learned from living among the poor class of people. "No... not busy at all." She heard grumbled as the man walked towards the door. He opened it as he straightened his robes and hair before finally placing his stylish hat at top his black hair. "Ah, my dearest Rowena. What brings you here." Behind him, before he stepped out and shut the door, Rowena saw a disastrous mess. Though it was hard to tell if it was from whatever had been going on before she knocked or was its constant state of being.

"Just wondering if you had time.... I didn't mean to interrupt whatever you were doing."

"That was just an experiment that got a little out of hand. Probably best I not deal with it for a few days. Now, what is it that you wish to speak about? You've already succeeded your father in the way of knowledge. There is little else I can teach you." The middle-aged man had yet to grow a beard and his clean-shaven face was quite odd compared to the fashion of the day. But Salazar smiled cheerfully though Rowena caught something in his eye that spoke of dissatisfaction.

"Though there is little in the way for you to teach me, Salazar, there is still much in the way of learning I might achieve." Rowena smiled softly as she spoke of her knowledge base. While it was vast, she felt certain there was always something to learn as time wore on.

"Clever girl," Salazar offered his arm to her and escorted her into the gardens not too far from his room. She wondered which windows were his so she might sneak a peak at the mess he seemed to be collecting. "Now, what is so important that you arrived with the intention of knocking a rather sizable hole in my door?"

"I'm sure you would not find it as interesting as whatever was attacking you within that room," Rowena responded in kind. They all knew this was said in jest. The thrills of playing with words and battling a wit just as sharp as her own always returned her to the companion ship of Salazar Slytherin.

"My dearest Rowena, I assure you that you could hold my interest beyond anything my laboratories have to offer. Now tell me, have you yet finished that remarkable growth charm?"

She glanced up at him with a shrewd eye. "How might I ask do you know of my charm?"

"I am allowed my secrets as are you. However, little mouths are wont to wander where they mustn't." He winked at her as if it would remain their secret forever. "There is a certain Potions Master who is looking forward to his ingredients being available all year."

"You sneak. I should be more careful as to where my words wander." She smiled gently as she considered their friendship. It was an odd one to be sure. Most students never bothered to get to know the teachers. Most were never around long enough for them to talk beyond studies anyway. It was a small school Lord Ravenclaw controlled and most of the teachers were noblemen. They most likely saw Salazar as only an assistant. Salazar took it all in stride, though he knew his position at the Ravenclaw household. Still Rowena resolved to treat Salazar as a fellow intellectual in a world where few existed. "The charm is finished and I have been able to put it into use in our gardens. You will have to judge the results for yourself. Now what I truly wished to speak with you. Father has been instructing me on the running of the household and I wished know how you are faring."

"It is so kind of you to ask. You have no need to worry, my dear. I am doing quite well. My laboratory is well stocked and I am able to do research into all fields in which I am interested. Your father is well steeped in his traditions and I am not one to over turn his views. His school is productive and gives a broad education to children who would otherwise have limited access to their heritage. However, the local children benefit more than children across the land. Not all well educated families are as generous as Lord Ravenclaw."

"You're watching what you say again. I know we don't have the resources to educate more than our local population and the nobilities who can afford to board their children here. It would be nice to expand." It was a wistful proclamation.

"My dear, should you wish it enough to plan it, it shall be done." Salazar's warm smile filled her with hope that perhaps there were more out there who wished to share what was once only in the realm of nobility. It was really only a dream. No one believed all the witches and wizards of the world could learn, or should learn, the multiple branches of magic. Most believed that they should learn one thing and excel at that one thing. There were very few intellectuals who desired and succeeded at all varieties of magics. Her father was among them as was Lord Docilus who sent Salazar Slytherin. If only there were more.

Salazar covertly yet gently removed his arm from hers and stepped away. Immediately Rowena knew they had company and their closeness was unsuitable to their stations. Though she could not see who approached from behind her, from Salazar's shallow bow she knew it was her father. Lord Ravenclaw barely acknowledged his assistant. "Ah, Rowena, I was just about to look for you."

"Father," she smiled as she turned to greet him. It was with great reluctance that she ignored her pleasant conversation with Salazar. "What delightful weather it is for us to meet in the gardens." Rowena eyed the gentleman standing beside her father with quiet interest. She knew him to be one of Ravenclaw's former students and of a noble pureblood family.

"Indeed. You remember Romulus Black. He will be joining us this coming year as the specialist in transfigurations." Lord Ravenclaw motioned to the man beside him with proud eyes. Romulus had been in the same group as Godric and finished his education several years ago. Rowena could not remember his personality very well, yet did recall Godric referring to him as sly. That was not quite the characteristics she found suitable for a school.

Romulus gave a shallow polite bow in her direction. "It is an honor and a pleasure to work alongside you and your family again." Rowena thought she caught a faint glance from Romulus's eyes to the space behind her. Salazar. How he must be bristling to know his position as a teacher was being taken away so abruptly. There was no respect in Romulus's eyes either as they took in his former teacher. "Good afternoon, Salazar. I hope we might work well together." Definitely intended to keep traditions and stations firm.

Salazar stiffened at the slight insult. He was a great many years this man's senior as well as former teacher, and there was no attempt at respect. Still Salazar bent his neck in acquiescence. Having always known most of his students would inherit a title far beyond his capacity, Salazar Slythern had resigned himself to frequent meetings such as this. "Of course, my lord. At your leisure, creating a learning plan for the students will be fruitful."

"Wonderful," Lord Ravenclaw seemed to push aside any animosity with his sheer presence. "Salazar, later today I wish to speak with you regarding your plans in runes. Several children have expressed interest in delving into those studies. But for now, Rowena, join us for a light supper and drink. Your companionship would greatly lighten an old man's presence." Romulus offered her his arm as they waited for her acceptance. There was very little she could do without embarrassing her father and insulting her guest. Even as she linked arms with the young lord, she risked a glance behind and saw the ever-proud Salazar rising from a bow neither lord care to notice. If life were fair then her friend and former teacher would be joining them as equals. One day, Rowena promised. One day men would be respected for their knowledge not their titles.

* * *

There was nothing for it. Sulking solved nothing. Glowering only worked when the object was present. Raging gave him little relief for the fury he felt. In his many years of work as a teacher, he had never once been granted any title that raised him beyond an assistant. His seat at Ravenclaw's formal dinners remained among the older students. Young men and women he had taught their entire years of study. Salazar had hoped Ravenclaw would be the start of something great. A stepping-stone to an intellectual career far beyond his humble origins. But no. Twelve years of service and he was no further than when he arrived. A young lord with average skill was given his position without a bat of an eye. Talent accounted for very little. Rank and title meant more than money. Even though the wizards and witches of this land believed themselves superior and progressive in their views, they proved themselves time and again as bad or worse than the Muggles in regard to inherent right to nobility. Their worlds were too closely intertwined. So long as magic remained hidden, men like Ravenclaw could rule his fiefdom without fear. Only the poor and outcast witches were ever accosted. It seemed to the nobility a necessary sacrifice to keep the status quo.

"You know Salazar, burning a hole through water is a feat of mythic proportions. Better be careful who witnesses it." A man sat beside him and carelessly tossed pebbles into the pond.

"Shouldn't you be at home, Godric, searching out the future Mistress of Gryffindor?" Salazar finally leaned back against the tree in an attempt to cease from glaring.

"Oh? So I am unable to marry, have children, and run a stable farm?"

"Considering how often you go gallivanting off on adventures, I'd say quite so. You are most unsuitable for home life. If a woman holds your interest for longer than a year, you might have reason to suspect me of being utterly wrong." One thing was certain about young Gryffindor's presence: it was hard to stay angry at such a cheerful and spirited face.

"I gather that a woman already has your fancy," Godric nudged his shoulder playfully. How the boy got past his best defenses at avoiding contact never ceased to amaze him. "Though I suspect there is a certain forbidden aspect about it, otherwise you would have gone after her by now."

"Honestly. Your mind never leaves the confines of a woman's skirt." Sighing heavily, Salazar returned to 'burning a hole through water' as Godric had aptly described earlier. It had been like this since the moment Godric claimed adulthood. Perhaps before. This young noble had to be the only male of any rank to truly speak to Salazar without expecting anything other than conversation. Though he failed to admit it, Salazar was quite thankful for the companionship of another like-minded man. Even if Godric was more likely to use his sword than his wand.

"Alright, Salazar. Spit it out. You would brood all afternoon if I let you. If there is anything you should trust is that nothing you say to me will ever be used against you. On that I give you my word." The solemn oath was one he had heard many times and had thus far been true. Gryffindor kept his word. "Surely life could not be as terrible as you make it out to be."

"I assure you, my friend, it could be." Salazar remarked blandly, transferring his gaze to the red haired masculine god sitting beside him. He was always taken aback by how imposing the sight of the young knight was. Well dressed in fine linen and leather, Godric appeared ready to take on dragon in the next blink of an eye and return untouched for the banquet. He looked ever inch the nobleman and behaved every second as a common soldier. Truly a contradiction on legs. "Perhaps you were fortunate in missing young Lord Black's arrival to the manor."

"Oh, him? Ha, escorted in as if he were the king of England. I swear, Salazar, that family doesn't know how to tone the pomp down. I keep waiting for them to run out of money. At least I keep hoping that they'll run out."

"Ah, yes. The rumor of their gold producing magics is going strong. Surely they have realized that Alchemist will never be able to transfer base metals into gold. We can do remarkable transfiguring, but ultimately it will never be gold. But that is not the trouble. Lord Ravenclaw has kindly given the position of Transfiguration teacher to young Lord Black…"

"Romulus!?" Godric interrupted with a loud insulting curse, suitably impressing Salazar. "That kid only a little better than me. What's wrong with you continuing? You've done a good job of it so far."

"Many thanks for your vote of confidence. Though I hardly believe teaching is young Lord Black's sole intention. Lady Rowena is of proper age and I am certain Lord Ravenclaw is searching for an appropriate match."

"Ha, ha! There is a woman involved. Salazar, you sly old snake. I would never have guessed you fancied Rowena. Jealousy makes perfect sense now. You're not mad at loosing your position. You're mad at being unable to court her." Godric was having far too much fun at his expense.

"Testing my patience with this mockery is unseemly even for you. So you are perfectly clear, Godric, I have no intentions towards Rowena and never have. I merely think Lord Black is entirely unsuitable. Besides, she is quite able to decide for herself who best to assist her in maintaining the Ravenclaw traditions."

"At least you know when you set your sights too high, my friend. Though that won't help watching her marry someone else." Godric's hand settled on Salazar's shoulder briefly in a friendly gesture of comfort. He could recognize it for what it was, even if he couldn't appreciate it fully. "Who knows, maybe she fancies you and has the nerve to choose someone her father doesn't approve."

"Forgive me for disbelieving your predictions. Now, you must forgive me, I must prepare for my discussion with Lord Ravenclaw this evening. And my discussion with Lord Black." He barely suppressed a shudder. With any luck Romulus would just continue to use what worked instead of trying to change plans completely.

"Hey, if you do manage to burn a hole through water, make sure I'm there to see it."

"You wouldn't believe me otherwise? Such little faith. Then perhaps I should not take your word for the dragons you've slain." They simply shared a smile. Stories were better kept as stories. The truth seldom entertained half as much.