Light And Dark Don't Coexist

Isilarma

Chapter Two

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Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and am not affiliated with Bloomsbury or Scholastic Inc.

Godric let out a long sigh as he took a seat opposite his oldest friend.

"I'm afraid we may have a slight problem."

Rowena paused her sewing long enough to look up at him. "Helga and Salazar?"

"You read my mind."

Rowena gave a delicate shudder. "I will leave that to Salazar."

Godric smiled at the almost fond irritation in her voice. Only a few years ago, his friends had been unable to stand one another. It had been Helga who eventually bridged the gap between them. His smile faded. He didn't think she'd be able to mend this rift so easily.

Rowena caught the change in his mood. "Is it really that bad?"

Godric grimaced as he recalled the events of the previous afternoon. "She didn't know that he still uses the Dark Arts. It came as quite a shock." He sighed. "It hasn't helped that the only Dark wizards she's encountered are the ones who have tried to kill us."

Rowena shook her head. "I cannot say I blame her." She set her embroidery down on the table. "How did Salazar react?"

Godric looked down. "About as well as you'd expect. I think the thought that she didn't trust him hurt the most." He ran a hand through his hair. "I spoke to them both about it, but whatever they said to each other afterwards only seems to have made things worse. I haven't seen them say more than two words to each other since."

Rowena sighed. "We have to do something, Godric. Helga thinks a great deal of Salazar."

"And he of her, but I don't know what we can do. I certainly don't seem to have helped matters."

Rowena reached over to lay a hand on his arm. "You did all could," she said softly. "You cannot control what happens between them."

Godric smiled at her. "I know, and I wouldn't want to, but still…" He trailed off with a sigh. "I just don't know how to show her that he is in control."

Rowena pursed her lips. "It will not be easy. I knew him for longer than she has when you first told me, and I still found it difficult to accept."

Godric grimaced. "I remember." That had been a tense few weeks. "It is a shame we cannot use the same method that convinced you."

Rowena's eyes narrowed. "Don't even think about it. You almost died."

"And thanks to him, I didn't." He shrugged. "There aren't many dragons around here anyway." His expression turned serious. "Ro, forgive me but I have to ask. Do you still have doubts? Do you trust that he has the strength?"

Rowena was silent for several seconds before replying. "I had doubts for a long time. Even now I have read too many tales of those who lose control to be entirely comfortable with them. But Salazar has read the same books, and more than that, he has seen for himself what happens when the Dark Arts are used for one's own gain. I do not believe he will ever take that road." She looked up to meet Godric's eyes. "Yes. I trust him."

Godric released the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "Thank you."

Rowena gave a small smile. "It is only the truth. Unfortunately, Helga does not see it that way."

Godric sat back and put his head in his hands. They had to do something; Hogwarts would not stand if the four of them were not united, and they had come too far to give up now.

"If we both talk to her, explain the situation properly, we may be able to make her see," he said slowly. "We'll have to speak to Salazar too of course; he'll probably be stubborn about it." He waited for Rowena to comment, but silence was his only answer. "Ro?" He looked up to find Rowena sitting bolt upright in her chair, her dark eyes glazed over, completely oblivious to the world around her.

Godric had to fight to remain calm. It wasn't the first time he had seen Rowena receive a vision, but the experience never failed to unsettle him. Rowena's pale skin was bone grey and she was barely breathing, and Godric found himself wishing that Robert was with them. There was little love lost between them, but he had to admit that Rowena's husband was very good at dealing with her various peculiarities. Godric's face twisted into a scowl. It would be much easier to hate the man if he wasn't so likeable. But there was nothing to be done about it.

A long shuddering gasp brought him abruptly back to the present.

"Rowena? Are you all right?"

Rowena blinked blearily up at him. "Yes, I believe so." Her fingers shook as she accepted the goblet he handed her, and he had to fight the urge to steady her. She took a long drink and some of the colour began to return to her cheeks.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. What did you see?" He didn't try to hide the tension in his voice. Rowena's visions were not always pleasant.

Rowena's brow furrowed as she recalled the details. "There is a young Muggle-born on the outskirts of Winchester. Her family have been trying to hide her magic, but tomorrow their neighbours will find out. The father is not popular, and they will not look kindly on the child."

Godric's jaw tightened, He had seen that scenario played out too many times.

"Then we find her today," he said firmly. "Do you have a more precise location?"

Rowena shook her head. "I could only see a few reference points, but her magic is strong. It will not be difficult to isolate."

Godric nodded, once again thanking whoever had seen fit to grant them unusual sensitivity to magic. "Good." A thought struck him. "Why don't we send Helga and Salazar? They are more attuned to raw magic than we are."

Rowena raised an eyebrow. "And you want them to talk to each other."

Godric narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure you don't use Legilimency?"

"Don't be absurd."

"My apologies." His grin faded. "I do think it would help them."

Rowena tapped her fingers against the table. "You may be right." She frowned slightly. "Will Salazar be able to restrain himself in front of the Muggles?"

Godric grimaced. "He won't like it, but he will for the child's sake. And for Helga's." he shrugged. "It will be a good experience for him."

Rowena looked rather doubtful, but she didn't argue. "Let's go and find them then. We don't have much time."

Salazar took a deep breath and tried very hard not to think about the multitude of ways he could kill the fat Muggle sitting in front of him. He understood that the man was concerned about his family's safety, but if he mentioned 'curing' his daughter of her 'affliction' one more time…

Fortunately, Helga possessed considerably more patience than he did.

"Magic is not a disease," she explained for the fourth time. "It is a gift. We would be more than happy to teach Mary to use her magic properly."

"So now you want to steal my daughter away!"

"I did not say that." Despite his current feelings, Salazar couldn't help but admire her calm. "If you wish your daughter to remain, then we will accept your decision, but you must understand that you will be in danger should your neighbours find out. My friend here," she nodded at Salazar, "can create a spell that will protect your home, should you desire it."

Salazar nodded. "I can hide traces of Mary's magic and keep unfriendly visitors away." There were other additions he could make, but he doubted Helga would approve of those.

The mother's eyes had brightened at his words, but the father's face had turned crimson. "You think I'm going to let you put some heathen magic round my house?" he roared. "How foolish do you think I am?"

Salazar opened his mouth to tell him, but Helga got there first.

"The spells would be for your protection only," she insisted. "Sir, you must see how dangerous your situation is."

"Then why can't you just deal with the problem? Fix her, take the magic away!"

"You cannot just remove the magic from someone," Salazar snapped. "And even if we could, it would be her decision and hers alone."

The man's hands clenched into fists. "I am her father!"

"And you're acting like a fool."

"Salazar!" Helga hisses, but it was lost as the man gave a roar of outrage and swung a heavy punch at Salazar's head.

For someone who trained with Godric Gryffindor, it was no great threat. Salazar ducked the blow without batting an eye and flicked his wand. The man's eyes rolled back in his head and he fell senseless to the floor. The woman let out a shrill scream and ran to his side. "What have you done to him?"

Salazar rose to his feet, hiding the effort with the ease of long practise. "I merely put him to sleep, Madam. He will be fine in an hour or two." The woman opened her mouth, but he didn't give her a chance to argue. "He was being unreasonable and our time is severely limited. The longer we take to decide, the greater the danger to your daughter and yourself."

The woman stood to face him. "Is the situation really so serious?"

Salazar met her gaze steadily. "I am afraid so. Your neighbours are not the most tolerant of people."

The set of her lips told him that Rowena's vision had been correct there. "You want to take her with you."

Helga stepped up next to him. "We can teach her to control her abilities," she said gently. "And we can protect her until she is ready. I promise you, she will come to no harm."

The woman bit her lip. "Will…will I ever see her again?"

"Of course. Hogwarts is a school, not a prison. We would be more than happy to escort her for visits."

The woman looked tempted by the idea, but her face fell as she glanced at the man on the floor. "My husband will not agree."

Salazar recognised the tension there. "I said there were spells that could protect you. I am willing to apply them."

The woman stiffened slightly. "My husband is a good man," she said sharply. "And he loves our daughter. It is only sometimes…" Her voice trailed off and she looked away.

Salazar suppressed a sigh with an effort. "The wards will protect you from anyone who wishes you harm," he promised. "Both of you."

The woman glanced imploringly, and Salazar stepped aside. Maybe she would have better luck. Helga moved forwards to take the woman's hand.

"I know how difficult this decision is," she said gently. "But Salazar is right. His wards will keep you safe, and we can help your daughter. I promise."

The woman was silent for a long moment, but eventually gave an abrupt nod. Salazar managed a smile.

"Thank you." He looked at Helga. I will deal with the wards and meet you back at the school." Helga nodded and turned to the woman as Salazar went outside.

He was careful to check his earlier wards were still in place before starting work. The last thing he needed was a crowd of curious Muggles, but the charms he had made should be enough to keep him hidden until he was done. He soon completed the layer that would keep the wife from harm and, somewhat reluctantly, started work on one to protect the husband. As he worked, his mind drifted involuntarily back to the events of the previous day.

Helga's words had hurt him. There was no denying that. He just wasn't sure why. He was quite familiar with people distrusting him, even Godric and Rowena had struggled at first, and he was used to it. But to hear Helga express those doubts, to see her look at him like that… He had thought she knew him better.

Salazar sighed. He knew he shouldn't blame her. She had only ever seen Dark magic being used for the worst possible reasons. She had only met the Dark wizards who had gone too far, who had been corrupted by the powers they encountered. Salazar suppressed a shudder at the idea. He had no desire to extend his studies in that direction. He'd said that, he's told her, and she hadn't believed him. She didn't trust him. The thought was a shard of ice in his chest.

Salazar shook his head. There was no point in dwelling on it now. He sketched the last few runes in the air and spoke the words of command. The resulting drain on his magic left him dizzy, but the blaze of silver confirmed that the spells had worked. Not only would the family be protected, the neighbours wouldn't even notice the child was gone. Salazar allowed himself a brief glow of pride. The last addition had been one of his own devising, and he was glad of the chance to put it into practise.

A quick spell determined that Helga and the child had already left. Salazar briefly considered saying goodbye, but the thought of the husband waking rather put him off the idea. Besides, there was nothing left to say. He turned on his heel and Disapparated.

His reappearance in the infirmary was accompanied by a soft crack, and he silently cursed his weariness. Helga was over by the beds, but she looked up at his entrance, and Salazar couldn't miss the concern on her face.

"I'm fine," he said. "A little drained." He limped across to the sleeping child. "How is she?"

Helga was still frowning, but the question diverted her attention. "Exhausted. Scared. She misses her parents." She shot Salazar a slightly reproachful glance. "Was it really necessary to curse her father?"

Salazar shrugged. "He attacked me. Besides, he never would have agreed to let her come and she needs to learn to control her abilities." He sighed when her disapproving expression didn't change. "He will be fine. That spell causes no further damage."

Helga nodded. "Very well." She offered a tentative smile. "I suppose it could have been worse."

Salazar's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

Helga blinked at him. "Only that aside from that incident, that went rather well. We were able to retrieve her safely and protect her family."

"I see. So you weren't referring to the damage I could have done had I used Dark magic?"

"No!" Her face reflected genuine shock, and Salazar felt his face heat up.

"Oh. My apologies."

Helga shook her head. "It's fine."

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Salazar desperately tried to think of something to say, but his usual eloquence seemed to have deserted him. Helga often seemed to have that effect. It was Helga who eventually spoke.

"Thank you. For not using Dark magic back there."

Salazar glanced away. "It was only a Muggle. There was no need for it."

"When is there?"

Salazar felt frustration bubble up, but forced himself to speak calmly. "One Muggle is no threat. A dozen enemy wizards, on the other hand, certainly qualify."

Helga frowned. "But Godric never uses Dark magic and he manages well enough."

"Godric is a battle genius, one of the best duellists in the country," Salazar snapped. "Not all of us are so blessed." He shook his head. "I am sorry, but sometimes there is little choice."

Helga's face was troubled. "It was you who told me that there is always a choice."

Salazar gritted his teeth. "I suppose there is. I can use Dark magic and survive, or I can restrict myself and get myself or one of you killed. Which is preferable?" Helga paled at the thought, but Salazar wasn't finished. "Helga, you must trust me in this. I know Dark magic is dangerous, but I know what I can do. And I will not put anyone at risk, either through inaction or excess." He kept his eyes fixed on hers. Yesterday she hadn't believed him. He could only pray that he could change her mind. If he couldn't…

Helga was silent for a long minute. Her voice when she spoke was very quiet.

"I know that you are only trying to protect us. I may not like it, but I can accept that." Salazar blinked, but his relief faded at her next words. "But I am afraid we have another factor to consider."

"Enlighten me."

Helga flinched at his tone, but continued steadily. "This is a school Salazar, or it will be, filled with children who will look up to us. Should they see you using Dark magic and desire to learn it for themselves-"

"It will not happen," Salazar interrupted sharply. "Should any student express such an interest, I will be sure to inform them of the consequences of such knowledge." Memories of his own tutelage flashed through his mind and he shivered. "I can assure you that no student will learn any of those Arts from me."

"But you are not the only practitioner of the Dark Arts," Helga pointed out. "And we cannot control everything our students do. I do not want any of our children becoming something we must destroy."

"And you think I do? You think I want any child to travel that road?"

"Of course not," Helga shot back. "But you will be a teacher. They will look to you for inspiration."

"And you think I will be a bad example?" he had to fight to keep from shouting. "I do not use Dark magic for every little thing! I only use it when I have to, to protect those I care about." His anger suddenly drained away as he realised what was happening. "I can't do this."

Helga's eyes were suddenly wary. "What are you talking about?"

Salazar shook his head. His voice when he spoke was very calm.

"You said it yourself. I will influence these children, even without meaning to. If I cannot control myself I will lead them down a road that will ruin them." Helga's eyes widened, but he continued remorselessly. "As I teacher I would destroy them. So I cannot teach."

"Sal-"

"No, Helga. If you do not believe I have the strength of will to use this magic safely, then you cannot risk letting me teach." It took all his willpower to say the next words. "And if I cannot teach, there is no place for me here."

Helga's face was ashen. "Salazar, please-"

Salazar shook his head. "I am sorry. But if this school is to succeed, we must be able to trust each other. And right now, I don't think either of us is succeeding."

Helga didn't reply. She seemed paralysed by shock. Salazar turned and began walking towards the door. It took everything he had not to look back.

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