Rowena Ravenclaw watched from one of the towers in Hogwarts as the children each took part in their own activity. Some were running around because of their free period and enjoying the sunshine, while other went off to their next class, and somewhere even just sitting and studying for a test that was coming up. It was the end of a school year once again, which only meant that home was waiting for these pupils. Her eye caught sight of a green cloak as he ran down to catch up with one of his friends, tugging at Rowena's heart. He was of Slytherin, which reminded Rowena that her dear friend had left without saying goodbye.
"I can not wait until this year is over" Godric leaned out onto the edge, bowing his head down.
Rowena breathed, "Just four more weeks"
"Sounds a lot better when you put it that way but do not forget that we are the ones covering for Salazar's class" Godric sighed, "Why did he not wait until summer like any decent man would?"
"Because you threatened that if you found him on the Grounds you were going to duel with him" Rowena reminded.
Godric turned back to her, "So you enjoy picking up another class?"
"Not as much" Rowena sighed as she had to confess that her eyes felt heavy, "But once this is over, we will look for a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher"
"I hope so" Godric sighed, "Anyone in mind?"
"There is one⦠but I do not wish for him to be around" Rowena stiffened up.
Godric slowly nodded as he knew who she meant; her husband, Roderick. The man was very skillful in that kind of magic, even impressed Godric when he saw him defend against the crusaders but Rowena seemed to enjoy her time away from her husband. Bringing him here would only make Rowena feel uncomfortable since he was more uptight than her. Godric chose this time to change the subject as he looked back to the children of all ages playing.
"We will find somebody else then" Godric breathed out, "I will remain behind until we find a suitable professor"
"No, Godric" Rowena objected, "Enjoy your summer; go hunting or something, it is what you were planning on doing since the winter"
"I can always hunt here" Godric told her, "Besides, you will be alone in this castle. Helga has decided to go back to her family for the season"
"She said that?" Rowena asked.
Godric nodded off to the distance where Helga was seen walking out from the outdoor Hall, her cloak pulled over her head and black as she made her way over to the greenhouse. A happy Gryffindor eagerly waved at Helga but she only nodded to the boy before continuing on her way. Rowena sighed in the disappointed gesture before turning to Godric as he watched until she was out of his sight.
"Poor, Helga" Rowena sighed, "How could we ever be so blind?"
"They wanted to keep it a secret" Godric looked down, "I wonder if threatening him was the right thing to do"
"He was bound to Dark Magic, Godric, you did it to protect the children around us" Rowena reminded him, "That is the reason why we have this school, is it not?"
Godric was quiet for a couple of seconds before he said, "It is"
"Still, I do not blame her for wanting to leave this Castle" Rowena paused, "How long was he courting her?"
Godric shrugged, "I am not too sure, I am surprised Helga never even hinted anything towards us when they first started seeing each other, I believe it was a year or so. Has she said anything to you?"
"Does she say anything at all?" Rowena countered.
"Point taken"
Ever since Salazar left, Helga has not been the same; always quiet, only talking for classes, and even avoiding going out during meal times. Her face was always constantly sad and in a far off look as if she was reminiscing on better times.
"I am glad we do not have her as a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor as well" Godric straightened up, "That would have been the end of her"
"Which is why we agreed to do this ourselves" Rowena rolled back her shoulders, "No matter how stressful it is"
Godric smiled, "When all the children are gone, you owe me a drink of brandy by the fireplace"
Rowena scoffed, "I do not"
"Yes, you do, after all the hell we have been through" Godric stretched, "Just live for one moment"
Rowena rolled her eyes and turned to go back inside the Castle, not even surprised that Godric had chosen to do the same thing.
"We have to be good examples for the children" Rowena reminded him.
"The children will be long gone, all we would have is just the House Elves to judge us" Godric told her.
"That is more than enough" Rowena mumbled.
"One day, Rowena, you will have to get down from your high horse and see how life is like down here" Godric placed his arm around her shoulders.
Rowena smiled and shook her head, "I am contemplating now on whether or not this is a good idea to stay here with you"
"Would you rather go back to your husband?" Godric teased, striking a chord with Rowena.
"That is not funny, Godric" Rowena said sternly, "Roderick is a fair man"
"I know, I know" Godric sighed, "You have been saying it over a hundred times and yet you barely like to stay for Christmas back at your village"
Rowena glared up at the tall man, knowing she doesn't like talking about her husband much. Their marriage was strained to say the least, he never forgave her for leaving in the middle of the night to build and teach at the school she created. Roderick always reminds her of how "embarrassing" it was to wake up one morning and not knowing where his wife was. Each year, he constantly complains about her choosing the school over him, which Rowena secretly does. It was the only place where she can go and have some peace of mind.
