The Guardians
Disclaimer: I don't own the wonderful world of Harry Potter, that prestigious title goes to the genius that is J.K. Rowling.
A/N This is my first ever published FanFic...I've got so many stories in my head I figured that I'd get a few of them out there. Beta'd by SeeNoEvil121, if you're into one piece and zatch bell she's got some lovely stories out there. Oh and please review :D
Hogwarts castle was as it had always been; standing in the middle of green pastures, the forbidden forest to the right and the Black Lake reflecting its majestic visage. Smoke rising out of the myriad of chimneys as dusk fell upon the stone castle. Students littered the courtyard taking advantage of the last night of freedom before their exams and within those many corridors lay the founders of Hogwarts; Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin currently in a heated debate on the future safety of their established school.
"There needs to be something here Salazar, a second line of defense should we or future headmasters fail to protect the students." Godric stated leaning forward in his chair his hands resting under his chin. He stared levelly at his brother in arms, his sword leaning casually on the side of his plush chair.
Helga more than prepared for a fight, her red hair hanging loose around her face. "He's right and you know it." Helga stated to the tall man in front of her, pulling herself to the edge of her seat. "We've all seen what can happen should the castle be attacked, and that was with all of us here and able to defend. What should happen in the future? There needs to be something here besides that blasted hat!"
Salazar Slytherin prided himself on his cool demeanor, but looking at his compatriots, his brother and sisters in everything but blood, the façade began to crack. Salazar sighed, leaning back into his chair eyes closed for a moment in thought. He opened his eyes, nodding to Godric and Helga in front of him.
"I understand completely what you are both articulating, but how do you propose to do it? How are we meant to protect the school long after we are gone? How are we supposed to know what will or will not come to pass. It is not our place…The hat-" He was interrupted by Helga.
"How could you possibly say that? Salazar honestly!" Helga rose from her seat moving to pace in front of the taller man, her usually peaceful demeanor gone, hair crackling. "We created this school on the principal that it would educate future generations! That Hogwarts would be a safe haven to all those who deemed it home, how you could just dismiss what we are saying." Helga said vehemently.
Salazar interrupted her, rising from his seat and moving towards the fire place. "I am doing no such thing Helga and would you have waited before spewing out your second point in your argument you would have heard what I had to say about 'that blasted hat'." He smiled genially at her from his post at the fire place. "The hat was created to sort our students now and in the future. However that is not it's only purpose and you know it. It will also give warnings at the start of each year should danger be near, it is a part of the magic that created it, as it did for us this year. Its purpose is not only to place students in their houses, but to guide us as well."
"What if it is not enough?" asked Rowena who had stayed silent up until this point. "What if the warning is not heeded or not understood in enough time. What then Salazar?" She looked pointedly at Salazar and Godric her hands resting in her lap, Rowena looked to the fire blazing before her. "We were almost caught unawares, were it not for Helga and her foresight to write down what that hat spewed out at the beginning of term we would have lost many, so very many."
Salazar crossed to his chair, motioning for Helga to take her seat as well. As he sank into his chair he sighed in defeat. "Well then, it seems as if you've thought this through. Oh really Helga, sit down you needn't have argued so hard. Godric and I were actually discussing something about strengthen the wards at the beginning of term. "
Helga huffed in annoyance as she sat looking at both men crossly, Rowena laughing at Salazar's words. "So like men to take credit for an idea after he's been approached by others, come now Salazar, Godric we do not just speak of strengthening the wards. Helga and I believe that a different sort of protection is needed. "
Salazar looked at them both; eyebrows raised "What exactly do you have in mind?"
Godric laughed at his friend's confusion. "Let them tell you what they have thought up. Far be it for me to take credit for their stroke of genius. But by Merlin Salazar it's a genius plan if we're able to take it from idea to reality."