Helga sat at her desk and twirled the quill in her hand. She knew that it would be risky to send a letter, in case it was opened and read, but she did not have the opportunity to talk to her mother personally. A letter would have to suffice, despite the risks. She would just have to be careful when penning her words. She could say nothing that would implicate her of witchcraft.

My dearest mother, she began to write.

I hope that this letter finds you well. Life at court has been treating me well but I find myself missing home. There are many questions I have and I often find myself searching for your wisdom.

I especially have questions about keeping a manor or house. Being at court has me often thinking of marriage and I realize that I do not have the necessary knowledge to run a home smoothly. I barely know how to keep the Hufflepuff rooms here at the castle clean, even with a large amount of servants at my disposal. I now appreciate how you have always managed to keep the Hufflepuff manor clean with only a handful of servants. Might you share your secrets sometime?

My wishes to you and everyone in Hufflepuff manor,

Helga Hufflepuff

Helga sat back and reread the letter. It was simple enough and to anyone that might read it before her mother it would sound like a foolish girl writing to her mother. Only her mother would understand what Helga was asking.

Or so she hoped. There was always the chance that her mother might miss what Helga was truly asking but the red-haired girl doubted it. Her mother was clever and missed nothing. She had to be to keep control of Helga and her brothers for all those years.

Helga folded the letter and wrapped a piece of water-resistant parchment around it. Then she sealed it with wax and used her ring with the Hufflepuff coat of arms on it to mark the seal. When she was finished, she went in search of a messenger.

There were always a group of messengers that hung around the stables. Those that were free always kept an eye on the horses and carriages. If they were at the stables, it was easy to borrow a horse or barter a ride in a carriage at a moment's notice.

Much to Helga's joy, there was a Hufflepuff messenger waiting with the other messengers. She beckoned him over.

"A letter for Lady Hufflepuff," she said. "I know that there is a bag leaving in the morning for the Hufflepuff manor. Might you add it to the other messages?"

The messenger nodded.

"I will deliver it quickly for you," he said with a bow. Helga curtsied in gratitude before turning to return back to her rooms.

It would take a handful of days for the letter to reach her mother. The messenger wouldn't return until he had rested at the manor for a week or more. Then it would be another few days as he journeyed back. Helga couldn't expect a reply until a fortnight had passed and that was if her mother responded right away. It could take up to three months before she would receive a reply. If it took longer, then Helga would send another letter.

In the meantime, Helga would see if Rowena had any advice. She doubted that the woman had brought any new books back at court but maybe she had read something. If she didn't, Helga would begin experimenting with spells.


Nearly four weeks later, Helga received a reply from her mother. It was short but it helped her immensely.

My dear daughter,

The messenger I sent this with you can trust. He knows of our gifts, as he has a similar gift. Any letters of such matters you should send with him and only him.

The answer to your question is house-elves. Clever creatures and not easily found. There is one in Hufflepuff manor. For a family of our size and a manor of our size, one is enough to be advantageous. For something the size of the royal court, over a dozen would be employed had the royalty accepted the existence of magic and not declared it a crime.

If you are looking for a house-elf, I would start by traveling. There are countries where the practice of our gifts is more acceptable and more easily discussed. The older manors in such countries would most likely have house-elves, especially if they are supervised by those with magical blood.

I hope your questions have been answered.

Be safe and be well,

Lady Hufflepuff

Helga's hands shook as she read the letter. Once she finished reading it, she went in search of Hajna, Rowena, Godric, and Salazar.

"House-elves," she announced with a smile. "That is our answer! House-elves!"

"What are house-elves?" Godric asked, glancing at Rowena and Salazar. Rowena looked confused.

"They have not been mentioned in the books and scrolls that I have read," she said. "I have never heard the term."

Salazar smoothed his beard.

"I have heard the term," he said. "They are curious creatures, or so I have been told. I have never seen one though."

"There was one at Hufflepuff manor," Helga said. "When the court goes on progress in a few moons, I think I will go searching for them."

"And if you cannot find any?" Rowena asked. Helga's face fell.

"I will," she said stubbornly.

"Rome?" Hajna suggested quietly, reading the letter Helga had handed her. "Or Paris? They are old cities and no one would question your travels there. Many young ladies travel to see His Holiness or to learn culture in the court of France."

"An escort would be needed," Rowena reminded Helga and Hajna quietly.

"One of my brothers," Helga said. "They are always interested in traveling and meeting new women."

Godric hid a smile. He acted similarly.

"What will Lady Ravenclaw and Lord Slytherin be doing during the progress?" he asked. Rowena frowned.

"I will be returning to Ravenclaw lands," she said. "It has been some time since I visited and it is time to go over the books once again."

Godric made a face. Bookkeeping. He could never find the appeal of such a menial task.

"I have business to partake in, both abroad and in my lands," Salazar said vaguely. "I will also try and raise funds."

"Funds?" Godric asked. Salazar nodded.

"For our project," he said. "I have to use alternate channels so the king will not become suspicious."

"Alternate channels?" Rowena asked. Salazar nodded but didn't elaborate. He tended to keep his dealings with the goblins private. The goblins loathed it when business was made public knowledge. They thought that it affected their business dealings and believed that if others of the goblins' clientele learned of special deals being made or of differing interest rates, they would demand the same treatment.

"And you, Lord Gryffindor?" Salazar asked. Godric glanced at the others.

"I will be staying with the progress," he announced. "I feel that it would be wise to keep an eye on the politics of court, in case we should be threatened in any way. The king and queen may not be suspicious currently but the whims of royalty are easily changed, dependent on the day and the weather."

"Not to mention the numerous feasts and tournaments that will be hosted," Salazar remarked. Godric gave him a playful glare. Helga and Hajna giggled at the interaction between the two men.

"Added bonuses," Godric replied. "I can never turn down a good time."

"Do not let a good time distract you from the secrets you hide," Rowena said quietly. "And win a few tournaments if you will be traveling with progress. Otherwise the noblemen will become too complacent and over confident."

Godric smirked and gave a mock bow.

"I shall do your bidding," he said. "Might I have a favor to wear next to my heart when I defeat men for your honor?"

"Do not be foolish," Rowena said but her dark eyes glimmered with humor. "That is jousting and you are a horrible jouster. Stick with dueling and fencing."

Hajna was bent in half, hands resting on her legs as she tried to control her laughter. She was failing. Helga had pulled out a fan and was hiding her laughter behind the thin material. Salazar smirked.

They would miss days like this, Godric thought. Days when they could be themselves without the pretense of nobility and court proceedings. The progress would separate them for a year, if not longer.

A few months later, the progress had begun. A fortnight before the progress had begun, Helga and Hajna had left for France, accompanied by two of Helga's brothers. Seven days later, Salazar had left to go find the goblins and to conduct his business. Godric and Rowena had said their goodbyes when their friends had left before saying their own goodbyes. Godric's things had been packed into wagons and his horse was saddled. Rowena had planned to wait two days after the court had left before returning to Ravenclaw lands.

"Write occasionally," Rowena said. "Keep me updated on the workings of court."

"I will," Godric promised. "Have a safe trip home and may it be quick."