Why the Hufflepuff?
Author's Note: This is basically a response to the Hufflepuff haters, and bit of encouragement to those who are, like or associate with Hufflepuffs. I hope you all enjoy this.
Disclaimer:I don't own any of the Founders, Harry Potter, and I thank Peter Jackson for inspiring this scene.
Gryffindor stroked his weary beard as he stared across into the beautiful horizon, where the sun showered the world with her blessed rays. The river below marched like a dedicated patrolling guard under a marble balcony and a clear blue sky. The trees sang and danced in the breeze and delivered the sense of a fragrant fruit in the air.
It saddened Gryffindor that all this, and so much more, could be at stake.
"Godric?" Rowena Ravenclaw called him back down to earth. They were sitting across a table on the balcony, having a light refreshment.
"I trust your judgement, Godric," Ravenclaw smiled. "You do a very honourable thing."
Gryffindor smiled back weakly but did not say anything.
"The people of Eastrenam need that, especially when their city seems to be plunging into darkness and coldness."
"The Castle of Langledo has cursed too many people and their homes," Gryffindor said, after a cough. "Families torn apart, homes destroyed and lives, Magical and non-Magical, lost. If the legend is true, then my company of eight have a chance of putting an end to all of this misery. Alas, I still feel most of them are kids."
"They are of age, Godric," Ravenclaw smiled. "When you called they all answered. I fear that one day, such loyalty may become rare."
"I hope not, Rowena!" Gryffindor laughed. "Besides, Marteslon, Estellio and Ithel will look after the others."
"When do you set out?"
"Tomorrow."
"That's very like you, just like the young and energetic young man I met all those years ago!" Ravenclaw said. "I will allow you to retire then."
Gryffindor nodded and rose.
"Godric?" Ravenclaw asked, with a touch of confusion and apprehension. "Why the Hufflepuff?"
Gryffindor sighed and looked beyond the balcony, just like when he was in his deep thoughts. A school of doves fluttered past and prompted a sad and wistful smile on his aging face.
"Salazar believes that it is only might that can defeat evil," Godric sighed. "But that is not what I believe, or have found."
Ravenclaw listened intently, but did not say anything.
Godric Gryffindor cast his mind to one of the members of his company- Nuria Meden. He remembered Salazar's dismissal of her and the views of some of her peers. She was the daughter of tree grower and merchant, she was bright but quite nervous and prone to babbling. Other times she was quiet and reserved. Some would describe her as "ordinary" but not Gryffindor. Amongst others, he remembered the time when she managed to comfort a very distressed father, who's daughter had been killed; or when Quijo, a very restless horse that allowed nobody to ride, let alone approach him, was tamed by Nuria by just some tutting, feeding and stroking.
"Always remember the power of the simpler things in life, for it is unmeasurable," Gryffindor grinned. "It is what can defeat the mightiest forms of darkness, where our pride and vanity betray us. Love. Kindness. Compassion. Patience. Loyalty and hope. These are what make creatures of darkness tremble and those of light feel strong.
"Why Nuria Meden?" he echoed, before looking at Ravenclaw. "Maybe because I am terrified, and she gives me hope and sustains my courage and my strength."
Ravenclaw looked shocked but then rose and held his hand.
"I trust your judgement, your valour and all of your company," she consoled. "May all of our prayers and strength go with you and your company."
"Thank you, Rowena."
Author's Note: I hope you enoyed that, please leave a comment, I'd really appreciate it.