Over the next week tasks have become busier and more stressful for Rowena, not only did she have her own class to look out for but she had to constantly be in touch with Godric as he was the other half of the teacher of Defense class. They did not think that their classes having different schedules would impact themselves as teachers, nor about their different teaching styles. At times like these, she actually felt sorry for the children as she even wondered if they were just as confused as Rowena and Godric lost. Rowena was not going to let some task get the better of her as she leaned over to desk even though her back ached. Beside her, Godric had groaned loudly, and leaned back in his chair, wanting nothing more than to throw the pages in the fire, no doubt.

She had to admit that she was stressed herself but the more she relaxes it would mean the later they were to go to bed. Rowena's only fire to finishing grading the papers was that the pile was slowly dwindling from when they started about 4 hours ago. A low rumbling made the pair look up to the entrance as Helga emerged, making the friends perk up in interest as to why she was there. The once happy and jolly woman came up to her friends with a plateful of bakery treats as she set them down in the middle of the desk.

"I had a thought that you both might be here" Helga said.

Godric straightened up, "What is all this?"

"Both yours and Rowena's favorite desserts" Helga answered, "Personally made by me"

"Helga, you did not have to do that" Rowena said gently.

"I wanted to" Helga sat down in front of them, "After all you are all putting yourselves through"

"Well, I am thankful that it is going noticed" Godric took a piece of pound cake, "Thank you, Helga"

"Godric, show some respect" Rowena hissed at him.

"What? I said thank you" Godric said with his mouthful.

Rowena shook her head, "You are such a child sometimes"

Godric only gave a playful look on his face as he continued eating, Rowena rolled her eyes and took a pound cake as well. The taste of the food made her realize how starving she was and relished on the moment. She looked up to see Helga was actually enjoying watching them eat her food.

Rowena remembered how excited she used to get each year at the festival, wanting to try some food and explore new recipes, her eyes always bright with enthusiasm. Now she looked so much older than what Rowena was used to.

"Are you done with your grading?" Rowena asked, lightly.

Helga nodded, "Everything is achieved, now all that is left is the actually test of casting the spells. How is everything going with this class?"

"Good"

"Slowly"

Rowena glared, "We are almost done"

"The point of Defense against the Dark Arts is to defend against it" Godric explained, "How are they supposed to defend themselves when you keep pushing them to study the books?"

"Because the books tell you the right way of studying and which matter is more dangerous than the other" Rowena pointed out, "And not going into a duel blindly"

"How are they supposed to learn if they do not duel each other" Godric asked, "Both you and Salazar insist on book smarts"

Rowena quickly nudged her friend but the damage was already done.

They both looked to Helga as she stiffened up and glanced down to the papers, almost as if she was noticing them for the first time. Rowena looked to Godric who seemed just as torn and confused about what to do for their friend. Rowena could tell that she was fighting back tears and probably has been crying ever since Salazar left. If there was anyone in the castle who wanted to leave it was definitely Helga. Rowena slowly reached over the massive table and gently grabbed a hold of Helga's hand, snapping her out of her mind.

"Helga, I am terribly sorry, I was not thinking" Godric apologized.

Helga quickly shook her head, "It is alright, you did not mean anything by it"

"You know you can tell us anything if you are having difficulty of Salazar leaving, right?" Rowena asked.

"Of course, I do" Helga nodded, "But I feel as if I have to do this on my own"

Rowena struggled but she said, "As you wish"

Helga did her best to look to her best friend and smiled to her as best as she could. Rowena took it as much as she could and let go of her friend's hand. Godric felt his beard as his mind was in a far off land as well, probably trying to overcome the guilt. When he noticed that Rowena was looking at him, Godric smiled as if her gaze as cheered him up.

Rowena wished that Salazar could see how broken they all were without him, it was heartbreaking but she had to keep a straight face for her friends. She has struggled just as much as they have but chose not to show it to her friends. They were each going through it enough and didn't want to put her sorrow on their shoulders as well.

"Have you contacted your mother and brother?" Rowena asked, "I am sure they will be thrilled to see you"

"Yes, I have" Helga said, "Though mother never really approved of Salazar…"

"Maybe that is what you need?" Godric asked, "Someone who is as tough as nails telling you how horrible Salazar was for abandoning us"

"Godric… " Rowena said slowly.

Godric only shrugged, "Is it not the truth?"

"He is right" Helga agreed, "I will tell my mother of our relationship and if she has not cursed me to the end of life then I will hear about how rotten Salazar is for eternity"

Rowena shrugged, "Your mother does have quite the vocabulary when she despises someone"

"That is what she is known for" Helga hinted a smile.

Godric let out a loud laugh which was contagious to the two other women, making Rowena shake her head. Everything was a little bit better whenever someone brings up the misfortunes of home in an amusing way.

That was how it was back then, and what Rowena was trying so desperately to hold onto.