The first in a series of (four?) Hogwarts founders era one-shot/POV fics.

found v.

1. To establish or set up, especially with provision for continuing existence.

2. To establish the foundation or basis of; base.

I: Rowena

"She's a beautiful woman, Godric. Did you think no one else would notice but you?"

Rowena found him in his usual hideout, the astronomy tower. Why he spent so much time here, she would never know.

Godric turned to acknowledge his friend and gestured for her to sit next to him, but quickly shifted his gaze back to the pair in the field below. Rowena saw something more than jealousy in his eyes. Regret, maybe.

Since his arrival with the full Beauxbatons contingent, Hugo Chevalier had made quite an impression on Helga. Helga had always been a bit of a flirt, but Rowena detected something more than the playfulness Helga usually exhibited around attractive men. She could not deny that Hugo was attractive, both in looks and station. A wizard of his wealth and power would be an ideal match for anyone. But Rowena knew as well as anyone that so-called ideal matches almost always looked better on paper. The only happiness she derived from her own ideal marriage was her daughter, Helena.

And if she was honest with herself, wouldn't she prefer to see both her friends together and happy? Rowena had been playing Cupid with Helga and Godric for months now, and she was finally beginning to see the fruits of her labor. Hugo's arrival had certainly put a wrench in her matchmaking schemes.

His eyes still focused on Helga and Chevalier, Godric broke the silence. "I suppose it isn't my place to be jealous, but I am. She hasn't left his side since the start of the tournament."

"Yes, well," Rowena leaned her head onto her friend's shoulder. "Tournaments only last so long. Haven't I been telling you to make your affections known?" Godric had been uncharacteristically shy when it came to his feelings for Helga. For a man so brave, he was acting like quite the shrinking violet. But then, love brought out the strangest things in people.

"I suppose I'll have to learn French now."

Rowena smiled to herself. "Perhaps, but I don't know that it would make much of a difference. She's very fond of you. It's not as if you do not already hold a place in her heart."

"Yes, but a friendly sort of fondness, or…" Godric trailed off, unable to give voice to what he hoped was true.

Rowena knew the answer, but kept it to herself. Helga's heart was her own; hers and hers alone to share. She stood and brushed the dust from her dress. "You are many things, dear Godric, but a coward is not one of them. Helga appreciates that. Go to her this evening. I am certain you won't be turned away. Don't let Chevalier monopolize her time and attentions."

Rowena stood and made for the door. She couldn't spend the entire day on matters of the heart, especially when neither of the hearts in question were her own.

"Rowena?" She heard him call before reaching the door. "I will. Thank you." Looking back, she saw the characteristic spark of determination in his eyes. He wouldn't let Chevalier have Helga all to himself.

"My pleasure, Godric. And if it comes to it, I'll gladly teach you some French. Au revoir, mon ami." Rowena exited the small room atop the tower and headed down the stairs. Perhaps Hugo Chevalier was just the catalyst her two friends needed to finally get started together.