A.N. Hello everyone! I go by Cerberus and I would like to introduce you to my new story! Some of you may have read my other stories, some of you may have not. I would be most grateful if you looked at my other story, "Solum," and left a review. If you have in fact read my other stories and are wondering what happened to them, look on my profile. Anyway, this little idea has been bouncing around in my head like the Energizer Bunny. To sum it up, it has been annoying the crap out of me! So, I finally decided to act on it. Once again, welcome to my story.

Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Harry Potter in any way, shape, or form.

Salazar's Choice

Chapter One: Descisions

Knowledge is power. Especially if it is ancient. This especially holds truth in the Magical World. These were the thoughts of one Salazar Slytherin as he stalked down the corridor of a half finished hallway that in time would connect the dungeons of Hogwarts to the entrance hall. He was supposed to be in the Great Hall having a meeting with his dear friends over red meat and ale five minutes ago. He huffed as he ran his pale hand through his tangled coal black hair to get it out of his ice blue eyes and lengthened his strides. He arrived at the doors to the Great Hall five minutes later and stopped at them.

He looked into the shiny slab of black marble that was next to the doors, it going to be placed somewhere in this monster of a castle, and checked his appearance. He looked about twenty-five with a clean shaven face and a stubborn chin. His clean cut was the only clean thing about him. His pale skin was covered with splotches of dirt and grime here and there while his hair had been allowed to roll and knot into dreadlocks. His emerald green cloak had rips and was very ratty at the bottom. Under his cloak was a plain black robe in a similar condition along with a pair of dirty leather boots.

Salazar glared at his image and hung his head. He could already hear Helga telling him he looked like a vagabond who just walked in the door. He sighed and straightened up. He glared at the Great Hall doors next. "No use delaying the inevitable," he thought with a scowl and pushed the doors open. He walked around the piles of stone still present to finish up the west wall of the hall and headed to the lone table at the far end where his three friends were gathered.

"Salazar, my friend, what delayed you so?" Salazar smiled; Godric was the best friend any man could ask for. "The food is getting cold and I'm famished!" Leave it up to the idiot to kill the moment. Salazar scowled at him for that.

Godric was a giant of a man. He towered at six foot seven inches (2 meters), which was about eight inches (20 cm) more than Salazar. Godric was also in possession of a silky chestnut mane which, when it turned white, would make him look like dragon slayer Saint Nicolas, especially with all the crimson armor. Right now, he was looking down and pouting at his slowly cooling food with gold eyes, his head propped up by his armored hand. Why he wore his armor to meals, Salazar would never know.

"We told you, you should have just started eating, Godric," came from the raven haired beauty that was Rowena Ravenclaw. She wore a dark blue dress today; she looked absolutely perfect as always! She is my sun and evening star, my eternal lo… "You're staring again, Salazar." She said this without even looking up from her book, besides her already finished meal, with her glorious indigo eyes, in a monotonous voice as if this was an everyday occurrence…which it was. Salazar sheepishly said, "Sorry, my lady."

"You're forgiven…again."

Then from out of nowhere, "You look like a pack of wolves were chasing you and then you collapsed. Then it seems a cat dragged you into the castle." This came from Helga. She looked like the milkmaid of every man's dream, besides Salazar. Any dream with a maiden had to do with Rowena. She would always walk towards him with a gorgeous smile and a sway in her… Anyway, so Helga was a blonde, blued-eyed maiden with perfect teeth and voluptuous body that her gold dress did nothing to hide. Many men would do anything to bed her, but they never got far. She was far too loyal to Godric to do anything of that sort with any man but him.

She was also a big meanie! She always picked on him about his hair, his pale skin, his not-as-perfect-as-Helga's teeth, and his clothes. So what if he didn't feel a need to always look his best? He didn't care what people think, besides Rowena, of course! Salazar felt he had been ridiculed enough and sat down to eat.

Godric jumped from his seat and crowed, "Finally!" He then practically inhaled his food. Salazar just shook his head. Godric would never eat until everyone was present; he said he was being a gentleman. Salazar said he was just being a pain in the ass!

Not a minute later, Godric catapulted to his feet once again and slammed his fist on the table. "Can we start the meeting now?!" Rowena snapped her book shut and nodded affirmative, Helga answered, "Anytime you want to, Sugar Griffin!" Salazar nearly saw his lunch resurrect itself on the table with that comment and nodded affirmative as well.

Godric settled into his seat and asked seriously, "So, anything that needs to be brought up immediately or can we continue with the normal agenda?"

Helga responded, "I feel we need to go over what creatures we would let roam in the forests again."

Godric sighed, "We've gone over it three times already. I've already told you, we're perfectly safe. Rowena put up the wards herself that will keep all creatures and non-humans with cruel intent off the castle grounds."

Helga didn't look reassured but nodded her head anyway. Godric asked, "Anything else?" Salazar debated in his head one last time whether he should bring it up or not… He swallowed the last of his dinner he had been eating and decided he should for the betterment of the school.

"I would like to bring up something that has been irking me for a great deal of time…" Salazar said this with his Don't-screw-with-me face that had his blue eyes gleaming in a dangerous way.

Godric zeroed in on him with his own eyes, Helga sat up straight and paid close attention, and Rowena analyzed him as if he were a specimen to be examined. Salazar continued, "I don't understand why we are using and plan to teach our future students wand lore when we are masters in the Ancient Languages."

Godric's eyes narrowed, Helga's eyes widened, and Rowena adopted a look of calculation. Godric answered, "I thought we had agreed that it would be better to teach the students wand lore. I thought we had agreed that that was where the world was heading?"

Salazar answered, "Aye, we did. But I must reconsider when I look closer at countries who have converted to wands. The people become lazy and idle. They are not challenged with magic anymore nor do they challenge themselves. All they need is the spell chant and wand movement to learn a new spell, there is no control anymore. These people who use wands also struggle to use wandless magic of any kind. The energy they used to burn by using their magical pathways to control and form their magic is no longer burned and they become fat. As their bodies become unhealthier, their magic works harder to support their failing bodies. This results in less magic to cast and weaker spells. As these people are becoming fatter and lazier, they no longer feel a need to pay attention to what their governments are doing; and the governments are taking advantage of this to perform deeds they would not normally do without fear of revolt and revolution. The governments go to the wand makers and pay them gold to add trackers and other such enchantments to better control their people. They also go to spell crafters and pay them to make standard spells which send out signals that the governments detect in order to figure out which spell their subjects cast. I could see our king and nobility doing that themselves. I could see them tracking us through our wands and then drafting us into their armies so they can play king of the hill. I can see all of us, fighting and dying while some noble sits back and enjoys his wine! I will never let that happen while I still draw breath!"

Sometime during his monologue, Salazar had stood up and toppled his seat. He slowed his breathing and looked around at his friends. Godric looked as if his mind was far away, Helga was looking at him with a small smile, and Rowena was looking at him differently. Her eyes were brighter and they were not chips of amethyst anymore, they had softened. "So, what are you proposing?" Godric had returned from his trip.

Salazar looked back at him and replied, "Teach them the magic of our forefathers. Teach them the power of runes and the allure of the Ancients."

Godric's face scrunched up and he licked his lips, "But we would have to rewrite our entire lesson plan."

"So what? It'll take maybe an hour at most. What have you got to do anyway?"

Godric's eyes wandered over to Helga and then back to Salazar. Salazar scowled and fumed, "Besides that!"

Godric put his hand up to his chin and scratched. He even ran his fingers through his beard for good measure. He looked back at Salazar and answered, "Well, nothing really…"

Salazar said, "Then it's settled, we can rewrite the lesson plan right now and get rid of these sticks!" He pulled out his wand and glared at it as if it had mortally offended him.

Godric said, "One moment, my eager friend, we have to vote on it… All in favor of teaching the students the magic of our forefathers say aye!"

Salazar responded with, "Aye!" as well as Rowena. Helga looked contemplative and issued an, "Aye," as well. Godric continued, "Oppose?" No one responded. Godric said, "My own vote shall be, aye."

Salazar rolled his eyes, "Now can we continue?"

Godric answered cheekily, "Maybe…."

Salazar grew flushed and continued anyway, "Now that we have an agreement, let's change these plans."

He pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. It had a list of all the classes they planned to teach at Hogwarts when it opened.

Salazar said, "Well, we need to get rid of these wand lore classes meaning Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Godric interjected, "We must at least find a suitable replacement for them."

Salazar asked, "Did you ever pay attention to our Master when he was teaching us?"

Godric looked down and answered, "I did sometimes…maybe."

Salazar hung his head and said, "You're hopeless… Anyway, Transfiguration can be replaced with one of the Ancient Languages, you know, the one you mastered!"

A look of understanding grew on Godric's face, "Now I remember…"

Salazar rolled his eyes, "Charms can be replaced with Rowena's Language and DADA can be replaced with mine."

Godric asked, "But I thought you were going to teach potions?"

Salazar shrugged, "I can live without…"

Everyone sent him a look of pity; they all knew how much he had been looking forward to teaching potions.

Helga then asked, "I'll have to give up teaching Herbology as well if I'm to teach my Language." She received similar looks.

"There is a way you could teach both, but we would have to make some schedule alterations…" This came from Rowena. Godric looked at her questioning but she continued, "We'll talk about it after we have decided what classes we want to change because there are a few I am less than satisfied with."

Godric nodded and said, "Very well. What classes do you find below standards?"

Rowena motioned for the list of classes from Salazar and after looking at it for a moment answered, "For one, I find History of Magic severely lacking in many areas. The most glaring is that it covers only what has happened in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. What about the world outside of these islands? There is so much out there!"

Godric nodded his head in thought and said, "Your comment is noted, anything else?"

"Would you like it one at a time or all at once?"

"All together, please."

"Very well," Rowena cleared her throat and continued, "The second class I find substandard is Care of Magical Creatures. There are more than magical creatures, there are magical beings and magical spirits and to totally ignore them is unacceptable. That is just one class I have major issues in, I have smaller issues in all the other classes. I generally believe they are not as intensive or interactive as they should be. For instance, why is it that you need four years of potions class to reach journeyman level competence and an additional two years for mastery? Our students' duration here is supposed to be seven years long and it takes all seven years to reach mastery level? I believe this is very poor time management; this is true for other classes such as Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures."

Godric nodded and said, "That is good reasoning but, can we expect children to learn at an accelerated pace?"

Rowena nodded and said, "If we are going to teach them the Ancient Languages, then it is a must."

Salazar then commented on Rowena's argument, "Maybe you should tell us how fast you believe they must learn."

Rowena said, "They should be able to learn classes that we originally proposed to span all seven years in four at most…"

The table was silent for a moment as the other Founders took the time to consider Rowena's argument. Salazar spoke up first, "I believe that that is a bit too fast for even the most studious children."

Rowena replied, "I don't believe so. I became a master in potions in only three years with you teaching me and that was with only weekly lessons an hour and half each."

Salazar replied, "Yes, yes you did, but there is a difference between you alone and a group of school age children. They are going to talk and daydream and not pay attention when they are supposed to. They will slack off every now and then while others may just give up. It is our job to teach all the students to the best of our abilities and make sure they access their full potential. Can we do that for all of them in only three years?"

Rowena stayed silent and fold her hands together as she thought it out. Finally she said, "Now that you say that, no, we wouldn't be able to do that with even the most studious of children."

Godric then asked, "So how long should seven year classes be?"

Salazar said, "I believe we should evaluate each class individually to determine the length of the class or if we even want it."

Helga spoke up and asked, "What do you mean by that, Salazar?"

Salazar elaborated, "I believe that some of the classes we are currently planning on teaching are unnecessary."

Godric asked, "Which classes?"

"I'll say when we come to it."

"Very well, what's the first class on the list, Rowena?"

Rowena answered, "The first class is Muggle Studies."

Godric said, "I believe this class must be kept. It will help the students blend in with muggles in the muggle world."

Salazar said, "I don't believe we should teach it at all."

The rest of the Founders turned to face Salazar. Salazar only stared back at them with his icy blue eyes glinting with anger.

Godric said, "Now, Salazar, we hav-…"

"I don't care if we have talked about it already! We should not even mingle with muggles! They are nothing but violent people who hate what they don't understand! Why should we bother to understand them when they say we are demons and burn us at the stake!?"

"Salazar, please listen. I know what they did to your family and what they did to you, but you need to learn to let it go."

When Salazar responded it was with a low voice that seemed to drag itself through his teeth, "Do you really? Do you know how they stormed into my house in the dead of night with torches and clubs? Do you know how they beat my father and me and tied us up so we could watch in horror as they took turns raping my mother and my thirteen year old sister? Do you know how they poured boiling oil on my father and set him alight? Do you know how they gutted my mother on my father's own sword? Do you know how I escaped with my sister only due to dumb luck? Do you know how my sister begged me to kill her because she could still feel those animals touching her? Do you know how I felt after I killed her out of pity and love, hoping that she may find peace in the after life?

I don't think you do. I don't think you know how much I loathed my very existence as I drifted through the wilderness. I don't think you know how much I loath those beasts. Even years after, I still feel a hatred for them that is unparalleled by anything any of you have ever felt. It is only on a whim that I have not gone back and avenged my loved ones with shadow and flame."

"Not all muggles are bad, Salazar," came Rowena calm voice, "I was saved by a muggle friar from a pack of wolves when I was very young. He was the one that raised me and gave me my thirst for knowledge. He gave me my love of old tomes, the smell of decaying parchment, and the audacity to question 'why?' to everything in life. For instance, why do we call non magical humans muggles?"

Godric scratched his chin through his mane and answered, "Never really thought about it. We've just always called them muggles."

Rowena asked, "Why not something like non magicals or earth children? Oh, I know, what about mundanes?"

Salazar raised his voice, "Back to the main point of this conversation, I can see that some muggles are kind but the majority of muggles are not, while some are downright hostile. I have seen muggles reject and hurt their own children, sometimes even kill them, when they find out their children are magical. That is why I believe we should not even allow muggle born to enter the school."

The table was silent for a while as everyone reflected on what was just said. Helga then said, "What if we took precautions?"

Salazar looked at her curiously, "Like what?"

Helga shrugged and answered, "I don't know; oaths, wards, shiftkeys?"

Salazar rubbed his chin, "I still don't believe that is enough."

Rowena in a rare show of anger slammed her hands on the table, "What is enough, Salazar?! If you don't remember, I am muggle born?!" Rowena stood there panting for a moment as the other Founders looked at her in shock. Rowena sat down and asked, "Well, what is enough, Salazar?"

Salazar answered, "I don't know…"

Godric answered, "Well I do. It is clear to me that we do need to take some precautions with muggle bor-…"

"Mundane."

Godric turned to Rowena, "What?"

"Call them mundanes from now; I'm tired of the word muggle. It sounds a lot like an insult."

Godric nodded and continued, "Very well, we must take some precautions with the mundane born," Godric looked over at Rowena to see a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes, "precautions like wards, oaths, and shiftkeys. In fact, that's perfect set up. Oaths from the parents to keep them from harming or neglecting their children, wards to protect the families from other muggl-…I mean mundanes, and shiftkeys for the entire family so that they may flee to safety."

Rowena nodded and said, "The shiftkeys should be set to appear here."

Salazar, while less than satisfied, said, "The oaths should include not telling other muggles about the school or anything magical in general." Rowena glared at him for the use of the 'm' word. Salazar just sighed and said, "Fine, mundanes."

Rowena smiled and Godric continued the conversation, "Now, back to the classes. I guess it would be Mundane Studies. So, it stays as a class but how many years should it take?"

Helga replied, "It shouldn't take more than two years, after all, mundanes haven't done anything significant in years and I don't think that will change."

Rowena said, "I wouldn't place money on that, Helga; mundanes have much shorter lives than us. They are lucky to see thirty while it is common for magicals to reach ninety. For every one magical life, there are three mundane lives. That is two more minds that think in different ways and see things in a new light. As time goes on, I think mundanes may advance into something that is unthinkable at this point."

Helga looked less than convinced while Godric looked like he was seriously considering this. Salazar seemed to be tuning out the conversation.

"I propose that Mundane Studies be three years with the first year compulsory for magical born children."

Godric at this pointed asked, "Why should it be compulsory?"

Rowena replied with a tone that made it seem obvious, "So that they can easily blend in with mundanes."

Godric looked sheepish at this point until Salazar jumped in, "If mage born need to take Mundane Studies then mundane born should take a magical etiquette course of some sort."

At this Godric nodded and said, "It would only make sense… While were at this whole compulsory courses topic, I suggest the entire first year be made up of compulsory classes with no electives."

Helga asked, "What classes would the first years take then?"

Godric replied, "Well, they would take this Magical Etiquette that Salazar suggested if they are mundane born or Mundane Studies if they are mage born. They would also take a history class of some kind, we'll figure out what kind as we go through the classes, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, and some kind of class that will get them acquainted with their magic since they won't be able to just wave around a wand and cast spells."

Helga commented, "That's six classes. Won't that be a little much for eleven year olds?"

Godric said, "They will need to get use to the work load sometime. Might as well as be sooner than later."

Salazar then said, "I think that some of those studies are too broad and need to be more focused."

Rowena asked, "How so?"

Godric propped his head on his armored hands, "Yes, how indeed?"

Salazar explained, "Well, for one thing, Mundane Studies would be the study of mundane life, right?"

The other Founders nodded and Salazar continued, "Well, all we want is for the mage born to blend in, right?"

The Founders found themselves nodding again, "Well, then it should be a class that focuses on blending in mundane society. Call it Mundane Transparency or something…"

Helga said, "Well, looks like you're not totally useless!"

Salazar pouted and looked down at the table top, "You're such a meanie, Helga!"

Godric complimented, "Yes, it is actually very smart. What do you suggest for the other classes?"

Salazar rubbed his chin and answered, "Well, for the history class, it should be something that covers general magical world history. You can figure out a name for it when we plan out there other history class. Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures can be combined for first year to teach the students common plants and magical creatures in Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. Maybe you could include parts of Europe. Call the class Common Magical Plants and Animals. For Potions, it should focus on what different ingredients do and there effects at different times of the year. What certain motions and intents can do to a mixture. Call it Intro to Potions. For the magical acquainting class, include learning how magic functions and its origins and learning about different styles of magic, including our own, so the students are aware of what they are actually doing. Call the class Magical Awareness."

Godric, who had been writing this all down, said, "Brilliant, just brilliant. Now we have our classes for our first years. Now then onto the rest of our classes; let's go through the list. Let's finish up this history class problem."

Rowena jumped in and said, "I suggest the length be four journeyman years and one mastery year. I think it should teach a detailed history of the magical and mundane broken down into different timelines and how they affected each other, the worlds that is."

Godric nodded ran his hand through his beard and unknowingly streaked ink from his quill through his mane while thinking, "An interesting suggestion, Rowena. I think it will be a worthy addition to our school. It will be called History of the Worlds while the first year history class can be called Magical World History. Magical World History can teach a less detailed history of the magical world." Godric took the list of classes that had been sitting in front of Rowena and said, "Now, next on the list is Herbology."

Helga took over the conversation at this moment, "With the class Common Magical plants and Animals teaching about well known plants, the Herbology class would be able to move on to rarer and more exotic plants from the start. Also coupled with an accelerated learning program, I believe Herbology would only take two journeyman years and one mastery year. Is this acceptable?"

Godric nodded, "Extremely. That wraps that one up. The next class on the list is Potions which we already started on."

Salazar stated, "With Intro to Potions, I estimate it would take a Potions Master three journeyman years and one mastery year."

Helga asked, "Why would it still take so long?"

Salazar answered with passion in his voice, "Because potions are temperamental. Some potions only like being brewed during certain times of the year. Some react violently if brewed with the wrong intent. Some exploded if there is so much as one too many drops of a certain ingredient. Many potions would have to be brewed simultaneously if I cut down a year and doing that is never smart."

Rowena nodded, "Potions is a very delicate art that needs time, a steady hand, and perfect focus. You can't afford to be distracted when brewing potions, especially the higher level ones."

Godric said, "That is enough reason to give you more time for that class. The next class on the list is Runes."

Rowena said, "If we are teaching the Ancient Languages then we will teach them real runes. Not these Anglo Saxon runes but the elemental runes."

Godric asked, "Is that wise, Rowena? The elemental runes are what you used to construct the wards around Hogwarts. They are very powerful. What if a student accidentally summons an elemental?"

Rowena asked, "Are we going to cripple the future generations because we're afraid a student will mess with the wards? Please, you know me better than that. I made the rune configuration and then sealed it away where no student will find it. We also don't have to worry about an elemental summoning because the students need the right intent for that and also a blood sacrifice. It is totally safe."

Godric bit his lip and looked at Helga and Salazar. Helga looked at him and shrugged while Salazar nodded, approving of the motion. Godric sighed and said, "Well, I suppose it's alright. How long would the class be and would it be compulsory?"

Rowena answered, "It would take four journeyman years and one mastery year. I also believe it should be compulsory second and third year."

Godric sighed and said, "It will do. Next class is arithmancy."

Salazar said, "I think this class is a waste of time."

"Please explain."

Salazar complied, "It is a form of foresight using numbers. Why teach it when we will now have a far more reliable form of foresight we can teach with one of the Ancient Languages."

Godric nodded, "This is true. Does this include Divination?"

"Yes. Divination is nothing but an old woman's hobby that she uses to pass the time. There are very few true seers who can actually use Divination. The foresight of the Ancient Language is far more reliable."

Godric once again nodded and said, "Your argument is justified. Any who oppose?"

The table was silent.

Godric licked his lips and said, "Very well, let us continue. The next class is Care of Magical Creatures."

Rowena said, "I still believe that it should also teach about magical spirits like elementals and magical beings."

Godric replied, "I believe you are right. It's folly to not include them. I believe the new class should be called Magical Beings. With Common Magical Plants and Animals it should only take two journeyman years and one mastery year. I believe that's it for this class. Any other suggestions for Magical Beings?"

No one spoke up so Godric continued, "Well, the only classes left are the Ancient Languages. Any idea what to do with them?"

Rowena spoke up, "Well, obviously, they must compulsory. The question is how many years should they last and what years should they be compulsory?"

Salazar said, "I think that there should only be one journeyman year and one mastery year for all of them."

Godric agreed, "That sounds about right, right?" Helga and Rowena nodded. Godric continued, "Well what years should they be taught in?"

Salazar answered, "I think we should start teaching them in second year but in a certain order. Teach one language a year until sixth year when they can take their mastery in the language of their choice in sixth and seventh year."

Rowena commented, "That is actually a brilliant idea. As we all know, the older the language the more powerful, and therefore dangerous, it is. We only have to figure out the order."

Salazar said, "Well, I would say my language be the last one taught because its sole purpose is kill and destroy."

The others agreed and Rowena continued, "I think my language should be the second to last to teach. It is, after all, has a greater area effect than any other language but it is not as dangerous as Salazar's language."

Godric commented, "That sounds about right so far. Now it's just between Helga's language and my own." After saying this he looked at Helga.

Helga looked back at him and said after a while, "My language should be the first taught. While it is older and more powerful than Godric's, its focus is healing and is generally a benevolent language."

Godric said, "Yes, it's all coming together now. Helga's language in second year, mine in third, Rowena's in fourth, and Salazar's in fifth. Then in sixth year they will have to take a mastery course in one language and in seventh a different one. And, of course, they can take a third or even master all four!"

Godric looked around the table and saw the other Founders nodding in satisfaction, besides one that is. Rowena still looked less than satisfied. Godric could almost feel the migraine forming. So he asked, "Are you still unsatisfied, Rowena?"

Rowena looked at him and screwed up her mouth in contemplation. She answered, "Yes, we forgot a class and on top of that I believe there are still a few classes we must add to the curriculum. Also, we have yet to discuss how we wish to schedule the classes."

Salazar furrowed his eyebrows, "What class did we miss?"

Rowena answered, "Foresight."

A look of comprehension dawned on Godric's face and then he said, "Well, that's fairly easy. An introduction year and a year of practice and finally a year to master it. That's two journeyman years and a mastery year."

Rowena said, "Alright, now, about these classes I want to add…"

Godric nodded slowly, as if he was doing something excruciatingly painful.

Rowena continued, "I believe we should add a class that teaches the mind arts, you know, Occlumency and Legilimency."

Salazar's eyes widened and said, "Yes, we really need to add that class. I feel like an idiot for not suggesting it myself."

Godric said slowly, "Alright, how many journeyman years and how many mastery years?"

Rowena answered, "It would take four journeyman years and one mastery year."

Godric's eyebrows rose and asked, "Is that not a bit long?"

Rowena shook her head, "No, not at all. I've been perfecting my mental defenses and probes for years and I'm still learning. The mind arts is one branch of magic that you can never truly master."

Godric nodded reluctantly, "Alright, then. Is there anything else?"

Rowena nodded, "It was decided that Magical Awareness would teach a little about where magic came from and how it works, but the origin and workings of magic is so expansive that it took me years to learn what I know. I propose a Magical Theory class with one journeyman year learning about the theory of magic and one mastery year conducting experiments to further our understanding about magic."

Godric twirled a piece of his ink-stained beard with his finger and said, "You now have me intrigued. I think it will be a welcome addition to the school's curriculum."

Salazar said, "Since Rowena is adding classes, I would like to add one as well."

Helga turned to Salazar with a look of confusion on her face, "What else is out there to teach these kids?"

Salazar answered with one word, "Dueling."

Godric jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "A class on the noble art of dueling? Of course, the students must at least have a chance to learn of it!"

Helga grabbed Godric by his cloak and pulled him down into his seat, "You're overreacting, Godric." Godric turned to Helga with horror in his eyes.

Salazar cleared his throat to get everyone's attention again and continued, "It would have one journeyman year and a mastery year. I believe that's good."

Godric wrote down the Dueling class on his list and then said, "Well, these are our classes."

ClassJourneyman YearsMastery YearsRequired

Magical Awareness 1 0 Yes

Mundane Transparency 1 0 Yes

Mage Etiquette 1 0 Yes

Magical World History 1 0 Yes

Common Magical Plants 1 0 Yes

& Animals

Intro to Potions 1 0 Yes

Mundane Studies 1 1 No

History of the Worlds 4 1 No

Herbology 2 1 No

Potions 3 1 No

Runes 4 1 Partial

Magical Beings 2 1 No

Ancient Languages 1 1 Yes

Foresight 2 1 No

Mind Arts 4 1 No

Magical Theory 1 1 No

Dueling 1 1 No

Everyone was satisfied with the list and three of the four founders pushed back their chairs, scraping the legs against the stone floor of the soon to be finished Great Hall. As Godric, Salazar, and Helga made their way to the door and opened it, they all heard an echoing whisper that seemed to come from all directions. It caressed their ears in a way that sent shivers up their spines and with a wicked gust, the open doors of the Great Hall slammed shut.

The three Founders turned around to see the fourth Founder still sitting at the table. Rowena said, "We're not done yet. We still need to schedule these classes."

Reluctantly, Godric, Salazar, and Helga walked back to the table. When they got there and took their seats, Rowena continued, "Now then, I have an idea. It might seem strange at first, but at least let me finish my proposal first."

After receiving a confirmation from her compatriots, she continued, "In this castle is a library. This library is home to over one hundred thousand books. That means it is the perfect place to research a variety of subjects. We also have a great deal of empty rooms that could be converted into training rooms. What I'm trying to say is what if we made this a school of research and personal interest? In order to do that, we would have to cut the number of times a class is taught a week down to one…"

Silence encompassed the table until Salazar asked, "Please elaborate."

Rowena complied, "Say that the school day started at eight o'clock and lasted until seven twenty in the evening. The classes would be an hour and twenty minutes long with a ten minute passing period in between. Breakfast would be before classes, lunch would be an hour long from twelve twenty to one twenty, and dinner would be after classes. If we did have classes only once a week then teachers would be able to assign projects every week that would force the student to research and practice the material. While doing this, the student would most likely find something he did not know about and find out more about it. They might even go as far as try to conduct experiments to further their understanding. Because there is so much time in between classes, teachers could have very intense lessons and the students would have a week to understand and apply the knowledge. That is what I am proposing…"

The table stayed silent for a while. Finally, Godric spoke. "This could just give students more time to slack off and not do their class work."

Rowena sighed and answered, "Yes, I know that, but just think, if we had just a few who truly wished to learn and better themselves then, I believe, it would be worth the risk."

Godric answered, "I don't really understand the logic behind it…"

Rowena looked down at the tabletop memorizing the patterns out of disappointment.

"…but, I have always trusted your judgment. Let's see how it works."

Rowena looked up at Godric in gratitude as Godric gave a wide grin in return. Salazar said, "Well, since we seem to be changing everything, we at least need a new name for our school as well."

Everyone stayed quiet for a moment until Salazar asked, "Rowena, do you know the word for owl in Gaelic?"

Rowena answered, "Olcadan, why?"

"Because, we're all of Celtic origin here and to the Celtics, owls are a symbol of wisdom. They also represent wisdom in other cultures, like the Greeks for instance. So, how about Olcadan Mage Academy?"

Godric replied, "I don't know… It sounds too prestigious for our little school."

Salazar got up and put his hand on Godric's armored shoulder, "Godric, my friend, you have to realize that we are planning to give our students that best magical education in the world. There is no doubt in my mind that our school will be famous and everyone will know its name. So what say you?"

Godric's lips parted and formed a savage smile, "Aye, I say we show this world what we four can do!"

Helga butted in, "Together we can do anything if we put our heads together!"

Rowena exclaimed, "We'll teach the best and brightest mages since Merlin himself!"

Salazar finished, "There's no stopping us now!"

The four Founders and friends hunched over the table in the Great Hall of the renamed Olcadan Mage Academy planning their classes that would nurture and bring forth some of the greatest minds the world has ever seen. They slept not a wink until the wee hours of the morn when they trudged to bed, exhausted but with a feeling of accomplishment. Salazar's choice to speak out changed more than he would have ever dreamt.

A.N. I really like the plot in this story. It's one of those what if someone made a different choice? What would happen? My different choice was with Slytherin. What if he had had a choice to make between a new branch of magic that was okay or an ancient branch of magic that was not only powerful but he was a master in? In this story, he chose the ancient magic. So, please review and read my other story Solum. And yes, I am shamelessly advertising my other story. But don't read Running to Freedom. I really have to rewrite that one. Well, I'll catch you guys on the flip side.

See ya,

Cerberus