"What's this?" Salazar barks as the innkeeper's son places an envelope in front of him.
"Dunno, sir. It's only just arrived," the boy says, and Salazar detects a hint of irritation in his voice.
With a shrug, Salazar slips him a gold coin. It's been so long since anyone so young has spoken to him like that. Not for the first time, his heart years for Hogwarts and the troublesome children that roamed its corridors.
When the boy disappears, Salazar examines the envelope. He immediately recognizes Rowena's elegant calligraphy. The eagle on the wax seal only confirms it.
Truthfully, he had hoped she would be the one that reached out to him. He'd always assumed it would sweet, kindhearted Helga, but his mind was set on Rowena.
He smirks, satisfied. It shouldn't be surprising that she would find a way get a letter to him, that she would want to contact him. After their time together in her chambers, he's only surprised that it has taken her nearly a year. She should have asked him to come back for more ages ago.
Salazar opens the envelope, pulling out the letter.
Dearest Salazar,
Allow me to begin this letter by informing you that you are an utterly selfish bastard.
Salazar raises his brows. It isn't the most promising start, but he can assume that the begging will begin after another paragraph or two.
What you did was completely irresponsible. Have you forgotten that you have a duty to these children? We all swore that we would teach the next generation of witches and wizards. How could you just abandon them? Was a fight with Godric really worth this?
I want to be bitter. However, I know how foolish it would be to say that you should have stayed for me.
A grin tugs at his lips. "Here we go," he muses to himself, taking a swig of ale. Even proud Rowena isn't afraid to beg. His eyes hungrily move over the next line.
I am not some giggling maiden who thinks that encounters like ours mean something substantial. Do not let your ego swell, Salazar. You were not so wonderful that I am writing to ask for you to return so that we may resume our escapades.
Admittedly, that hurts. Salazar scowls at the letter. Of course Rowena would say such a thing. Her words have always been her deadliest weapon. She knows exactly which words to string together to leave the most painful sting.
However, I feel that you should know that you left me something when you departed.
He feels a flicker of panic. Surely Rowena hasn't found out about his chamber. He would have heard news of an attack by now. Besides, as far as he knows, Rowena does not possess the ability to access his final secret.
She is two months old now. I named her Helena. Godric and Helga believe my story, that she is the product of an encounter in a pub. I am happy for them to continue believing that until the end. But I wish for you to know the truth. I am reminded of you whenever I look at her. She resembles me so much, but her eyes… Helena has her father's eyes.
This is not my plea for you to be in your daughter's life. Truthfully, with your views on certain matters, I think that it is best that she never know you. I merely feel that you should know what you've left behind.
Regards,
Rowena Ravenclaw
Salazar grips the letter in his hand, shaking. Emotions flood him, but he fights them. He cannot show weakness now.
With a growl, he tosses the parchment into the fireplace, watching it turn to ash.