Salazar brought Godric to his home deep within the fen, where lay a lonely tree with a home built into it. They moved forward and walked inside.

It was old and worn down, and spiders crawled everywhere. To the left was a lovely lit fireplace built into the bark of the tree, and two wooden chairs on both sides. Loose papers and maps were spread everywhere, and in the dark corner was a small bed. Godric was impressed, and it became more clear to him that Salazar was no ordinary person. No muggle he knew of would live inside a tree near a dangerous bog. There was something about this young man that felt different – good or bad the wizard still was unsure.

"Why don't you come along and sit by the fire? You may even help yourself to some cheese and bread if you wish," Salazar said, pointing to the chairs closest to the fireplace.

Godric sat down and ate; a silence among them that only the crackling fire could break. Before long, Salazar sat down on the opposite side of the hearth, and rested his hands on his knees. Godric shifted in his seat a bit, then cleared his throat. "The cheese is wonderful, I thank you for opening your home to me. Though it dark and gloomy, I feel a sense of comfort around me."

"No need to thank me, sir," said Salazar. "I am ever so glad you like it. Took me many years to design and build it, but I plan to get away soon and venture through the lands of good ol' England. I intend to find a place of peace and quiet where I can finish my work."

Godric cocked his head to the side. "What sort of work if you do not mind my asking?"

Salazar snickered a little. "That is unimportant. Tell me, what is a young man such as yourself doing in these parts? Whereabouts are you headed?"

"I'm not that young, I'm only sixteen years of age," laughed Godric.

Salazar raised an eyebrow. He seemed unamused. "Such a long way to travel for someone who is barely old enough. It seems we have more in common then I would have thought. I, too, am also sixteen and wish to escape the awfulness of the world."

"I was not escaping," said Godric. "I was searching for the strange lights in the sky. I needed to see for myself if it was magic. I had never seen anything like it before, it was the only explanation."

"You saw the sparks?" wondered Salazar, stroking his chin, glaring for the longest time at Godric in suspicion. An uncomfortable silence fell among them and Godric began looking around the room to avoid Salazar's cold stare.

"Curious. . . very curious," whispered Salazar. "Perhaps I could accompany you and find the man who made the magic in the sky. The roads ahead are dangerous, as you well know, and it would be better to have someone who is skilled in many things by your side."

Godric was taken aback. "Do not feel the need to come with me if you do not wish, friend. I am taken by much surprise by this invite, and I only wonder if that is what you desire."

"As I have said before, I wish to escape this retched place. What better way to start then venture through England with you in search of a mysterious magic," explained Salazar.

"I suppose it would be nice to have company," said Godric. "The more the merrier, as I always say."

"Good – it is settled. We shall leave at first light tomorrow! As you are my guest you may take my bed. I shall sleep under the stars tonight."

The evening was closing in, and as Salazar Slytherin turned his back and left his home, a sly smile spread across his face. Godric did not see him again for the rest of the night.