The sunlight filtered down through the lush, green leaves that hung upon the magnificent oak sitting in the middle of the beautiful, large meadow. Only the sounds of the warm summer's breeze running through the grass and the twittering of the birds high up in the forest trees could be heard for miles around. A small stream ran along the edge of the great forest and twisted deep into its depths, passing by a village that stood among the outskirts of a grand stone castle on the other side of the dense trees. It was here, in the Fens of England, that a legend was born. It was he who would go on to be remembered as one of the most brilliant wizards of his age. Salazar Slytherin.
On this particular day the Lady of the castle, Alfrida Slytherin, was enjoying the blissful sunshine by taking a pleasant ride through the vast lands of the Fens. She was widely known to be the most beautiful maiden in England, to look upon her face was a pleasure all in itself. Her eyes were said to be as blue as sapphires and her hair as white as snow which fell down past her waist. There was not a man who met her that had not asked for her hand. It was surprising, then, when she finally said yes to one man, the Lord of the castle, Eamon Slytherin. He was a man so renowned that caused men to tremble in their boots and women to squirm with pleasure at the mere sight of him.
The villagers, for one, were no strangers to their Lord and Lady's natural charms and liked them immensely. However, the Slytherins had one secret that nobody in the muggle world could ever know of. They two hailed from the most prestigious wizarding families of the time and were both purveyors of immense magical powers. Unfortunately, during this time witches and wizards may not have been as thoroughly persecuted as they then would be few centuries later but magic was still feared and held no place in the world. Due to this many witches and wizards masqueraded as members of prominent muggle noble families for hundreds of years and the Slytherins were the greatest of them all.
Enjoying the sunshine with the Lady Alfrida was her good life-long friend Hilda, daughter of Gunther the Giant killer who was known as the greatest wizarding warrior of his time. A pretty maiden with beautiful golden locks that curled in perfect ringlets towards the ends and beautiful brown coloured eyes in which it were too easy to get lost. In the muggle world she was a nobody, but in the wizarding world she was famed for her outstanding dulling ability. The two witches had been inseparable since their childhood and their two sons were just the same.
"Salazar," Alfrida called to her six year old boy as he dismounted from his pony, "don't go too far."
"We won't," the boy called back, a sly smile upon his lips.
The two boys barrelled across the field, their five younger siblings unsuccessfully chasing after them. Alfrida and Hilda laughed with each other, both dismounting their own horses. They two strolled a short distance along the tree line of the forest, catching up on the current events of the world with their children's laughter filling their ears. It had been a long six months since they had seen each other last and much had changed.
"I have some news," Hilda announced.
"What is it, my friend?" Alfrida laughed, "Speak quickly for I cannot wait much longer."
"I am with child again," admitted Hilda, her cheeks glowing with delight.
"Oh, my dear Hilda," Alfrida began, giving her friend a warm hug, "I am so overjoyed for you, really."
"Thank you, Randolf and I are immensely happy."
"How far along are you?"
"Only a few months, though I think it may be a boy," replied Hilda, her eyes wide with wonder.
"I'm sure it will be," Alfrida smiled, "Though you do already have one healthy boy, at least."
"Yes, and two beautiful girls," Hilda laughed, "I feel blessed for them all."
"As you should," replied Alfrida, "Though, does this mean that you will no longer be able to partake in the grand duelling competition?"
"Alas, it does," Hilda answered, "I would not risk my unborn child for anything, whether boy or girl."
For a moment the two women contemplated their surroundings, drinking in the glorious sunlight. Whilst she stood in that spot, thinking of her children and how lucky she was in life, Alfrida couldn't help but wonder of the future and of what it would hold.
Without any warning Hilda let go of Alfrida's arm and gave her a great push, causing her to fall to the ground. Alfrida made a grab for Hilda but was not quick enough. Giggling, the two women raced back to their horses, just as they had when they were girls, without any cares in the world. Quickly, they both mounted their gorgeous steeds.
"Salazar," Alfrida called a second time to her son, "Round up your brothers and ride back to the Keep with us."
"Alright mother," a small shout came from behind the large oak tree.
"You too, Godric," Hilda called to her son.
"Yes mother," the small boy called back, coercing his sisters back onto their ponies.
The joyful group made their way back towards the castle, unbeknownst to them that two of the greatest wizards of their age were riding within their midst. Two childhood friends, Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin.