Embrace Darkness

AN: I do not own anything in this story except for the plot.

Chapter one: My Dark Past

I have witnessed so much in my long life. I was there when Julius Caesar was murdered. I was his most trusted and secret advisor, a dark warlock. No one knew of my existence but I knew them. Yes, I knew them well. Their darkest secrets and terrible fears were always easy to pull from their weakened minds and use them in the game of politics. Unfortunately, Julius never did agree with my . . . unorthodox . . . techniques. He was my brother-in-arms, a friend like no other. He took me in, taught me of honor, and showed me compassion to those of innocence and poverty.

I regret leaving Rome for a drier climate that fateful day. I warned him of the hidden dangers of the Roman politics. He wouldn't listen. He never listened. Like another I knew in my life, he faced the traitorous oafs and died a noble death. Assassinated, he was, by those he trusted the most, by all of the Senate.

I should have stayed if not to protect him, then to at least avenge his wrongful death. I was a fool, a coward. I fled to the lands of barbarians instead. I feared death at the hands of those fools, a pathetic fear for one so powerful, a weakness. Now I welcome Death, but she flees from my imploring words and desperate grasp.

I no longer recall how long I had traveled through the realm of the ancient Brits. Very few people witnessed my ghostly figure. Those who have glimpsed me believed me to be a devil, a demon. Only one person felt sympathy for me. She, with her unfearing youthful gaze of wisdom and shimmering black hair, soon became one of my most trusted friends. Her name was Rowena Ravenclaw.

It was not long after that Rowena and I were soon joined by two others of our kind. Two who were as eager as we were to build a place where the young of the wizarding world could be taught magic. I'll always remember that day with such fondness.

Helga Hufflepuff, so sweet-tempered and gentle, yet like a she-bear when those she loved or those under her care became threatened. Her sparkling honey eyes twinkled with such mirth, her golden hair reminded me of the warm sunshine, and her bubbly laugh could ease the coldest hearts of their troubling pasts. Oh sweet Helga, what did I do to deserve your betrayal? Why did your eyes flash with such hatred toward me?

Boisterous and intelligent, yet so naive, described the burly man, Gordic Gryffindor. Amber eyes so full of compassion and truth that it wounds me to think of the pain and betrayal directed at me during that last night of our friendship. Coppery, red hair perfectly fitted the fiery temper of the courageous young warrior. My brother, brothers in everything but name, how could you think that I had betrayed you?

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was my home for the most joyful ten years of my existence until an argument erupted over us four Founders. I hurriedly took my leave so long ago, at least a thousand years, believing that I would never lay eyes upon the castle again, but here I am again, just on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. Can I handle the pain of the old memories? Can I once again face being me, the Darkest wizard of all time, Salazar Slytherin?

AN: Please tell me what you think. I will try to update as much as possible. At least once every two weeks is all I will be able to fit into my schedule.