AHHHH! Guys, I am sooooooo sorry! My ideas for this chapter kept running away from me.. Now they are back! Woohoo! Anyway, I also apologize for all the tiny mistakes that I've made so far.. Anyway, here's chapter 4! As always, review! :)
Lyla looked over at Salazar for the hundredth time since the other three founders left. Granted, that was only ten minutes ago, she was still getting nervous. Why she was staring at him, she didn't know. He was very attractive though, she decided. He had shoulder length black hair, very clear hazel eyes, and was about five inches taller than her. He looked to be of some Indian descent, she wasn't completely sure though. She was completely sure that she wasn't interested in him though. After all, she only met him that day, didn't she? Besides, he must already have a girlfriend somewhere. Shaking her head, she turned her gaze back to the television and tried to figure out what the show was about.
Salazar could feel Lyla staring at him. He didn't know what to do. Should he smile at her? Should he ignore her? He settled for ignoring her and stared at the television instead. He couldn't fathom why muggles enjoyed the television so much. He also couldn't figure out what to do with the feelings of attraction towards Lyla that had suddenly sprung up in his heart. He didn't want to act on them because he had only met Lyla that day, and he was pretty sure that she had a boyfriend waiting for her at Hogwarts. How could she not? As beautiful as she was. With that thought in mind, he turned towards her and tapped her on the shoulder and cleared his throat, "Lyla, I have something to say to you".
Lyla looked at him surprised, "Alright, what is it?"
Salazar could feel his heart racing, but he couldn't let that get in the way, not now. "I want to apologize for my behavior earlier today. Holding your hand was entirely uncalled for. I'm sure if your boyfriend found out he would be breaking down this door in less than five seconds".
Lyla snorted quietly and looked at him amused, "Yes, my invisible boyfriend will be furious. It's to bad I don't have one of those. I am only fourteen years old, I'm not planning on dating anyone until I'm at least fifteen. Maybe older. Besides, the boys at Hogwarts are all kind of crazy. Nothing I want to get mixed up in".
Salazar allowed his heart to calm down, and for a small smile to cross his face. "Well, you're a smart girl then Lyla Potter".
A second later, three loud POPs could be heard throughout the house. Jumping up, he cast a silent shield around Lyla and looked around wildly. In front of him was Godric who was still grinning like an idiot, along with Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and four men who he did not recognize. Then Rowena and Helga came into the room, they were also smiling. Glaring at all of them he released the shield around Lyla and was a bit surprised when she ran straight into Sirius's arms, the two must have been more close then he thought. A second later, Lyla could be no longer seen, as she had been sucked into a big group hug from everyone. Everyone except himself of course, he wasn't into group hugs.
When the group finally parted, Lyla was blushing like mad, and had a grin that was threatening to take over her face.
"So," Remus began as he looked around, "Where exactly are we?".
Godric laughed and plopped down on the carpet, "We are at our new house. Welcome to Number 2 Privet Drive everyone. Also known as the Founders house".
When he said that, the four new redheads looked around in awe. Salazar saw their faces and decided to have fun with them. Stepping forward, he bowed slightly and introduced himself, "My name is Salazar Slytherin. One of the founders of Hogwarts. At your service my friends". He frowned when all four of them took a few steps back. He wasn't that intimidating, was he? He was even more shocked when one of the twins grabbed Lyla and hid her behind him.
"What do you want with her you snake?!" The other twin snarled.
All the adults in the rooms (all founders with the exception of Salazar,along with Remus and Sirius) shook their heads sadly. Lyla on the other hand was getting annoyed. She pushed through the twins and positioned herself between Fred and Salazar. Without realizing it, she grabbed Salazar's hand and glared at Fred. "Didn't your mother teach you not to be rude to other people Freddie? Especially people you don't know?"
Slowly, everyone in the room was backing up slowly except for Salazar who Lyla was still holding on to. They all noticed the purple and black light radiating from the girl-who-lived, and did not want to be caught up in the aftermath in case anything happened.
Fred didn't seem to notice either, because he kept his position as well. "He's the founder of Slytherin house Lyla! He hates muggleborns! He hates Gryffindor!".
If possible, Lyla's glare worsened, enough to make George step up tentatively to his brother and attempt to pull him away. Not that it did anything, Fred was glued to the spot so to speak. "I was accused of being the heir of Slytherin when I was twelve in case you forgot. I was also supposed to be in Slytherin house does that mean I hate muggleborns and Gryffindors?"
Fred blinked a couple times and shook his head, "Of course it doesn't! You're Lyla Potter, you don't hate anyone. Even Draco Malfoy".
Lyla tilted her head a bit to look at him closer, "Then explain to me why Salazar Slytherin has to be stereotyped like that?".
At that, George stepped up and stood next to his brother. Not that he needed to defend Fred, but to give him support. Also because he needed to say something to Lyla, "That might be because that's what's in all of the history books in the world right now".
Lyla rolled her eyes at George, "You shouldn't always believe what you read in the history books Georgie. It's not good for your health".
George laughed at that, "I guess. Besides, who says history is always right anyway?" With that, he bowed back playfully to Salazar and winked, "Be careful Salazar, with the heir of you running around, you won't get any peace". Having said that, he went to stand by the Godric who had appeared with a bag of popcorn.
Fred sighed and shook his head before looking Salazar over, "I'm sorry Salazar, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. It was unfair of me".
Salazar nodded and held out a hand, "It's alright. I'm expecting way more of that to come my way".
Fred shook his hand and grinned at Lyla, "So, how did you come by the founders? I thought they were all dead".
Lyla shrugged and looked at Salazar, "Honestly, I have no idea. I met Salazar and Godric at the park".
Salazar looked around, "As much as I want to explain how we all aren't dead right now, I believe there is food to be eaten.".
Rowena laughed and shook her head, "Indeed there is. Come on everyone, spaghetti and meatballs tonight". She turned to go into the kitchen, and Lyla wasn't surprised when everyone followed her.
Salazar tugged on Lyla's hand, "Come on, there's food to be eaten".
Lyla nodded and followed him into the dining room which looked like it had been extended.
Finding a seat beside Sirius, Lyla sat down and smiled at him and Remus who was sitting across from her.
Remus helped himself to a bowl of salad before he spoke, "So Lyla, how are you?"
Lyla took a sip of water before replying, "I'm doing good now. I met some pretty awesome people today. I'm just dreading going back home".
When she said that, Remus frowned and Sirius looked at her, "why is that pup?".
Lyla shook her head before putting some spaghetti on her plate, "Well, the Dursley's haven't been the kindest to me, that's all".
Rowena looked up from her conversation with Godric and scowled, "That would be a bit of an understatement my dear".
Helga looked up from her food and nodded, "I second that. But not to worry, you're going to be living here instead".
As she said that, the whole room got quiet and everyone looked to Lyla who was caught between beaming, and looking really confused.
"And why is that Helga?" Sirius whispered quietly.
Godric cleared his throat and looked at his friend, "Sirius, safety".
All occupants of the room besides the four founders and the two Maruaders looked equally confused. As for Sirius and Remus, both of them looked like they wanted to murder someone.
"Lyla," Sirius said quietly, "Can you roll up your sleeves please".
Lyla looked terrified and shook her head, she didn't want her godfather and adopted uncle, plus the Weasley's, knowing what her relatives did to her.
Remus shared a concerned look with Sirius and spoke, "Lyla honey, you need to show us. If there's nothing, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about".
Lyla shook her head again and stood up quickly before leaving the room without saying a word.
Helga sighed and then spoke, "Sirius, Remus. Really? You guys have more tact then that. At least that I remember."
One of the twins (George), decided to speak, "Alright, I'm curious, how do you all know each other? I'm more than sure that the Maurauders and founders did not go to school together".
Salazar, who was sitting across from him, decided to speak, "You are correct. But in their sixth year at Hogwarts, something happened that made our paths collide. We've been friends with them ever since".
Godric decided to speak up as well, "And before you ask us how we are still alive, Merlin put a curse on us so to speak. We were to be immortal, stuck at whatever age we created Hogwarts until we find our soulmates. When we do, when we fall in love with them, we begin aging again. Call it the founders curse".
Rowena banged her head against the table and glared at everyone, "Now was not the time for this conversation. Any of it. But you dunderheads don't have enough tact to see that. It would have been nice for Lyla to hear that, but she didn't since she got upset and left. Or didn't you notice?'
Everyone around her looked kind of guilty. Suddenly, one of the older redheads stood up and looked at everyone, "I'll go look for her. I'm not hungry anymore anyway".
Fred stood up soon after and put his hand up, "I'll go look for her. Bill, you stay here and enjoy the company.". As he turned to leave he saw the slight glare that Salazar was sending him, he smirked and walked out of the room.
Everyone was quiet for a minute before Sirius looked around again, "So, she's living with you now?"
Godric nodded with a smile, "Yes she is. So are you, Remus, and everyone who showed up today actually".
For a minute, everyone looked shocked and then George found his voice, "But why me and my brothers? We have a home already".
Remus had a look of understanding flash across his face, "George, you have the protection of a founder. The best protection there is. Not even you-know-who will be able to get to you".
Godric nodded happily, "That, and the moment you walked away from Dumbledore, away from that house, the compulsion was broken".
"Wait a moment, what compulsion was that?" Sirius couldn't help himself, he wanted to know what Godric was talking about.
Salazar sighed and took over for his friend, "You, along with everyone else here, had a compulsion charm on them. Compliments of your old goat of a headmaster I believe. I know this because Dumbledore always, ALWAYS, puts them in those stupid yellow candies he is so fond of. Nearly every powerful wizard with followers does that at some degree".
Remus looked unhappy at the thought, "But why? That doesn't make any sense".
Salazar looked his old friend in the eye, "Because, you are close to Lyla. He knew that, he also wanted her. He wanted to use her like a pawn, so the only way to get to her, was through you". He let that sink in for a minute before looking around at everyone, "Dumbledore has been doing that for years. He's trying to do good, but ended up doing more bad then good. Things like that have consequences. He doesn't realize that".
Sirius was shaking with anger, and looked like he wanted to hex the old headmaster into next year. Remus meanwhile was trying hard not to let the wolf come through, it wouldn't be good for anyone if he did.
Godric noticed both, and looked unhappily at Salazar, "You're to blunt sometimes mate".
Salazar shrugged and stood up, "I know. But it's better that they know. Trust me. Now, I'm going to look for Lyla". He walked out of the room and headed out the door past Fred who looked vagely confused, "She's not in the house anymore mate", Salazar said, "She probably headed back to the park".
Fred looked at him then nodded, "Then go after her, bring her back".
Salazar nodded at him, "Will do. You really care about her, don't you?".
Fred looked surprised at the question, then smiled, "Yes, I do. She's like my little sister. I would do anything for her".
Salazar looked at him closely "Can you say the same for your brothers?"
Fred hesitated for a minute, then nodded. "Charlie and Bill barely know her, but they will. Once they truly get to know her they will".
Salazar smiled at that, "That's good to know. Now, how about you go back into the kitchen and finish eating? I'm pretty sure that the ladies will be upset that no one managed to fully finish their dinner tonight".
Fred laughed, "Alright.". He turned to leave and then look back at Salazar who was hallway out the door, "Oh, just thought I should let you know. If you ever hurt Lyla, you'll have more than Remus and Sirius to deal with".
Salazar looked around and cocked an eyebrow at Fred with an amused glance, "Noted. Thanks for that".
Fred nodded, "Now go. It's almost dark".
Salazar didn't need to be told twice, he turned around and shot off towards the park. Fred laughed to himself as he closed the door and headed back into the kitchen. Life here wasn't going to be dull he decided. He smiled as he saw everyone still gathered around the table, "Sal has gone to bring Lyla back, he'll be back soon".
He saw everyone nod, so he sat back down and helped himself to food. Bill looked at him closely, "Fred, why exactly are we here?".
Fred sighed and looked at Bill, "Honestly, I was sick of everyone's crap. I know George was too. Although, I don't know why Godric asked you and Charlie to come along. You two hardly know Lyla".
Charlie, who was sitting next to Bill, looked at Fred and answered, "I know. But I don't condone what the order is doing right now, and neither does Bill".
Fred nodded, "I understand that. But why come here? Why not go back home?"
Bill sighed, "I can't go back to my apartment. As soon as I stepped into the place I could feel compulsion charms almost everywhere".
Rowena, who happened to be sitting next to Fred, looked up quickly "Did it appear to have any magical signature on it?"
Bill blinked and shook his head, "Not that I could tell. I told mom, and she said she would have Dumbledore look at it".
Helga let out a growl, "I bet he did. If anything he probably was the one who put the compulsion charm in your apartment".
Remus, who heard everything that was said, shook his head, "I can't believe he would do that. He just doesn't seem like the type".
Sirius looked at his friend closely, "He is, believe me. There's a lot you don't know about our esteemed headmaster that you don't know Remus. Stuff that not a lot of people know. But being from the house of Black, I know more than most people do. James didn't even know, if he did, I highly doubt that he would have joined the Order of the Pheonix. He would have ran as far away from it as he could".
Helga nodded and then waved her wand, causing everyone's plates to disappear, "I figured no one was hungry anymore. So I moved all that stuff to the kitchen, the house-elfs in there will clean in up in no time. Come on, let us move this conversation into the living room, we have more space in there anyway".
Godric stood up from his seat and nodded. Following his lead, everyone else stood up and filed into the living room.
Rowena looked around the room happily, she was glad to have more people in the house now. She was also very glad to see Sirius and Remus again. It had been to long.
Helga sat talking quietly to Charlie, who seemed to have a pink tint to his cheeks. She looked around the room and put a hand on Charlie's knee, "You belong here for a reason, remember that". She said as she stood up. "Alright everyone, listen up. Salazar and Lyla have been gone for long time. Now, it's dark outside, and I trust Salazar impeccably with Lyla. But all the same if the two of them aren't back in an hour, we are going to organize a search party for them."
Sirius nodded, his eyes were narrowed a bit, he was having a hard time accepting the fact that Lyla was alone with Salazar. He was having even a harder time accepting that Lyla might very well be the person that Salazar would grow old with. Of course, he trusted Salazar. But that doesn't mean that he likes the idea of anyone with Lyla. Too early for her to be dating in his opinion.
Godric appeared next to Sirius and grinned, "Why don't you take a seat friend? You look like you're about to go find Lyla yourself. Also, don't even try to say that Lyla is to young for Sal, I remember the stories you told us about your days at school".
Sirius glanced at Godric and sat on a soft black couch, "She's like my daughter Godric. I worry about her, especially after last year with that stupid tri-wizard tournament. Also, I trust Salazar as much as I trust any of you. But still, he's mentally and physically older than her."
Godric nodded and surveyed the room quietly for a minute before responding, "Indeed he is. But he might be the only one to treat her the way she should be treated, ya know?"
Rowena walked over to the men and nodded, "Salazar is the one for her, no doubt about that. He won't take advantage of her. That reminds me, you say she was entered in the tri-wizard tournament last year? That shouldn't have been physically possible".
Suddenly, it seemed like the whole room was listening to them. Helga stepped into the conversation as well, "Salazar isn't going to be happy about this, that's for sure".
Charlie looked at her in confusion, "Why not? The tri-wizard tournament was started long after Hogwarts was founded".
Shaking her head, Helga looked at him, "You're don't know your history as well as you think you do. The tri-wizard tournament was Salazar's idea actually. Being the youngest, he wanted a way for everyone in the castle to have fun and be competitive at the same time. The tournament was never for a specific prize, and it was never intended to allow anyone under the age of 15 enter. No amount of hoodwinking could change the age. Even if someone managed to put a underage person in, the cup would automatically spit the paper out. That was Rowena's idea of course".
Remus ran his fingers through his hair, "Then I guess getting students killed wasn't his plan either, right? I mean, he was only 15 himself at the time".
Helga nodded, "That's exactly right. I put safety precautions in just for that very reason. The most harm that could have befallen someone was getting placed in a coma for a couple days. Even then, that was rare".
Godric snorted, "Rare my butt. The how come I ended up in a coma the 2 years it went on?".
Rowena smirked at him, "Because my dear Godric, you always ended up going against someone who had more spell power then you".
At that, the twins burst out laughing and applauded loudly, "Who did you go up against Godric?".
"He went up against me of course," Came a voice from the doorway. All the occupants of the room turned toward the voice and saw Salazar with a serious look on his face.
Sirius stood up when he saw Salazar and walked up to him, "Did you find her Sal?".
Salazar nodded and made eye contact with him and everyone else in the room, "I found her. She's doing alright, tired. But a lot better than she was before, that's for sure. She's sleeping though, so wait until the morning if you have any questions".
Godric looked at Salazar and frowned, "You didn't do what I think you did, did you?".
Salazar rolled his eyes, "Of course I did Ric. You know me better than that. Now, I'm going to head up to my room as well, because frankly, I'm drained". With that, he saluted the people in the room, and vanished up the stairs.
Godric sighed and shook his head, "He never learns, does he?".
Helga glanced at him, "He never does Ric. I just hope he knows what he's doing, for both their sakes".
Rowena looked at the sea of confused faces, "You all will find out tomorrow, but for now, get some sleep. It's pretty late. I'm sorry that we don't have enough room, but you all should fit in here just fine". With a flick of her hand, she filled the room with mattress, pillows, and sheets that seemed to suit everyone's personas.
The twins looked giddy and swiftly dove onto their beds. Their brother looked hesitant before following suit, surprisingly, the beds were really comfortable. Finally, Remus and Sirius looked around the room and after noticing that the remaining founders had disappeared, flopped down on their mattresses as well.
Sirius sighed and looked at his friend, "Moony, what do you suppose Salazar did to Lyla?"
Remus shook his head, "I wouldn't question it Sirius. Salazar knows what he's doing".
Sirius nodded and looked up at the ceiling, "I know he does. I wish I could go up and see her, but knowing Sal, he has her room heavily warded".
"Yeah, he probably does. If it's the same spell he used that one time, you wouldn't want to get within ten feet of her rom without running a risk of having cat ears stick out of your head for a couple weeks". Remus smirked as he said that, glad that Sirius was able to see his face.
"Moony.. You promised never to bring that up again!" Sirius whined loudly.
"Oi! You two! Shut your yaps!" Helga yelled from the top of the stairs, "Some of us are trying to sleep here!".
All at once, the whole living room burst into laughter, signaling that everyone had heard every word of the conversation that had been going on.
"Right-O boss!" Sirius yelled back.
Remus shook his head and turned on his side, welcoming that sleep that threatened to overcome him. Pretty soon, all the occupants of the room followed his lead. Leaving only Sirius awake to his thoughts. Wondering what the next day would bring.