Snow day + slow day = more updates. Nothing is mine, everything belongs to JK Rowling. Nothing better for creativity or more appreciated than comments and constructive criticism. Hope you are enjoying!
There was a subtle dripping noise as the two young men stood in an impressive foyer, their clothes soaked from the rain coming down outside and the hours they had spent traveling through the air.
"Mistress Rowena will be with you shortly," Alva said, seemingly keeping track of each drip of mud on her once pristine polished floor. "As soon as Duft returns from the stables I am sure that he would be happy to show you to your rooms where you may tidy yourselves up before the feast. Surely introductions may be delayed until then?"
After quickly glancing at each other it was Salazar who spoke, "While your offer is most appreciated we would enjoy the opportunity to confirm our presence with the lady Rowena before we settle into our rooms if only to ensure that we understand the meaning behind the most generous invitation to visit Castle Ravenclaw".
"And to make sure that she is real," Godric added under his breath.
Giving Godric a significant look Alva returned her attention to Salazar. "Of course master Slytherin I should expect nothing less but an absolute adherence to the order of things given the prominence of your own family. And as for you master Gryffindor I am more than willing to make allowances for any of you courtly deficiencies during your stay with us".
"Deficiencies," Godric questioned as Salazar chuckled softly, "What deficiencies are you referring to madam house elf?"
"My name is Alva sir and thus will be a fine way to address me if you have need. To begin your appearance will need to managed before you are meeting with the standards often considered when one feasts in the Hall of Passing Wonders. I understand that you have not brought your own elf so Duft will be available to shave you".
Salazar was still attempting to control his laughter when a sturdy and slightly rough looking house elf wearing nothing but a tartan kilt and with many of his facial features and ears covered by fierce but well kept mane of hair entered from a side door speaking only the words "Duft. Shave."
Alva's smile threatened to widen more than her delicate features would allow before she spoke, "Why yes Duft our young master Godric Gryffindor here will be requiring a shave before the feast tonight. If you would not mind showing him to his rooms while master Slytherin awaits an audience with the mistress before being taken to his own rooms".
Duft nodded and swiftly motioned for Godric to follow him before walking at a brisk pace towards the staircase, taking the steps two at a time. Godric glanced at Salazar briefly before making a slight bow in the direction of Alva before turning to catch up to the fast paced house elf.
"Skillfully done Alva, it is a relief to see that your gifts of persuasion have not diminished in all these years," Salazar said as he regarded the elf and her ability to see her standards upheld, even against the stubborn Godric.
Before she could respond a voice came from a darkened doorway to the right, "Alva diminished? Surely you know us better than that master Slytherin. Sooner would the sky fall and the heavens scatter before Alva allowed even one unkempt ruffian into one of the most prestigious halls of the Ravenclaw family."
Her eyes lingered on Salazar for only a moment before turning to her house elf, "I believe you are needed in the kitchens, I shall attend to master Slytherin for the time being".
Alva curtsied both in the direction of Salazar and once again, if slightly deeper, towards her mistress before exiting through the same door Rowena had entered.
Now alone and having his full attention Rowena decided to begin with niceties when speaking with Salazar, not wanting to reveal her true motives until she had Helga by her side to aid in the persuading.
"So how long has it been since last we saw each other? The engagement party surely, so ten years ago?" she questioned counting on him to carry his part of the conversation. Rowena knew that she had become rather accustomed to the lively conversation skills of Helga and her house elf staff and was slightly worried at her own ability to communicate after such a long time away from members of proper wizarding society and their expected etiquette.
"It was, though as it was during the summer months your family was keeping residence at the Cliffs. So I find myself grateful that on this occasion we are further inland and on slightly less precarious ground".
Smiling without showing her teeth and laughing without making too much sound Rowena acknowledged his words with a gentle nodding of her head, "Ah yes, the height and coastal winds do not suit everyone. But with our sigil being the eagle and our eyes ever pointed to the sky in curiosity it is no wonder that while it is not our ancestral home the Cliffs hold a special place for many in my house. Speaking of a happier time, how is your sister? Aurelia is well, I hope?"
"Most well, in fact of late she has rather had her hands full with my younger sister Servilla," he said. "But I do know that your continued correspondence has always meant a great deal to Aurelia".
"And here I was prepared to apologize for the rather erratic pattern of my letter writing. Though I do pity dear Aurelia, if my memory of Servilla is at all accurate she had quite the tempestuous streak even for a six year old. I take it time has not calmed her as much as your sister might have hoped?" Rowena asked, thankful for how easy the conversation was going, even if it did err on the side of trivial.
"I am afraid not. Though I do pity Servilla if she believes that she will get the better of Aurelia, I have yet to see her meet her match. Excepting Magnus of course". As he spoke the name Salazar was able to notice the slightest of changes in Rowena's face. This was calculated on his part. He still had no idea why he and Godric had been summoned though he now felt sure it was in fact at her request, not Helga Hufflepuffs, and he imagined it regarded more than her curiosity about the well being of his sisters. There were rumors that the grief of losing her entire family had driven Rowena mad, so his plan had been to mention one of her brothers or parents as soon as possible to see her reaction. She appeared calm enough no manic anger or uncontrollable rage, but there was undercurrent of such profound sadness that he had not expected which caught him rather off guard.
Before she could speak the male house elf had returned. "Duft shave red. Rooms now," Duft said with a motion toward Salazar before trudging back up the stairs.
Smiling once again at Salazar she indicated that he follow Duft. "He won't even slow his pace down for me, so you had better hurry or risk having to change and sleep in a corridor".
Nodding and walking quickly to catch Duft Salazar turned around to face Rowena as he reached the bottom stair, "Before I take my leave, may I ask why is it that Godric and I were asked to visit castle Ravenclaw presently?"
Meeting his gaze, "Presently, we are all here to discuss the future," she said before disappearing with a swish of her purple gown.