A/N hey there! I know i'm evil to those who actually were waiting to see what happened but things happened in my life so I couldn't continue. Until now. Well, my most sincere apologises to those who waited but I hope it was worth it. Truly expect the next chapter in a couple of days.

disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 8
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Rowena sighed and rubbed her eyes. She pushed her chair away from her desk and walked over to the window for a break after endless hours of work. As she stood in front of the window Rowena gazed wistfully over the scenery, wishing she could be out there instead of stuck inside. She brought her favorite shawl closer around her shoulders and crossed her arms against the colder draft coming from the windows.

At that time of day the view was beautiful as the sun set and the last rays of light shot out over the valley. The trees had began to lose their leaves in anticipation of colder weather to come, but they were still caught up in the hues of autumn. Even so, Rowena couldn't concentrate on the colors because her mind was cluttered with much more pressing matters.

A month had now passed since the four of them had moved into the castle, but there were now more problems then when they had arrived. The repairs on the castle were more extensive then they had imagined and bringing the castle back to a proper state drained most of their money.

And then of course were the personal problems. The four of them could not seem to co-operate long enough to organize the new school. They couldn't even choose a name.

But the troubles ran even deeper still. Salazar had become harsh and cold. There was no more warmth or friendship to be found in him anymore. He never laughed, now or showed any kindness or love. He had changed and become cruel and calculating. Helga was still the same sweet girl, but in arguments she always sided with Salazar whether she agreed with him or not. And she had become blind to his changes, because she thought that it was only his reaction to the betrayal and regection that he felt.

Then there was Godric. Rowena smiled to herself. He was her sunshine right now throught the despair. He had changed as well but for the better. Noiw he was king and supportive all the time for her. Sometimes she was surprized that she could find a love so great for her, and that she could return it. He brought her joy though the troubles.

Rowena turned back towards her desk and began tiding up the clutter of papers, books, quills and ink bottles scattered everywhere. She glanced quickly up at ther small wall clock. It was a magical clock with a single hand pointing at the word "late!"

Rowena gasped. "Dammit!" she cried. She gathered some papers and ran from the room. Her emerald robe billowed out behind her as her feet flew down the hall. She pattered down the stairs and slid into the main hall moments later.

The main hall had changed since the four had first set their eyes upon it. The full length windows now sparkled with sunshine giving beautiful views on both sides. The tall cathedral ceilings were now free of cobwebs thanks to Godric and his broomstick. The tile floors now shone red and gold.

Rowena slid into a chair at the long table set in the middle of the Great Hall. She uttered a breathless "sorry".

Salazar glared at her. "Thank you for finally gracing us with your presence Rowena, but the meeting began over 10 minutes ago. If you cannot be on time perhaps you should find a different vocation in life". Salazar paused and turned his cold eyes back to his paper.

Godric gave her a sympathetic smile and squeezed her hand. Helga smiled at Rowena as well, but she also noticed the grimace that crossed Salazar's face when Godric held Rowena's hand. No one know how torn she felt between her friends and how desperatly she was trying to mend the problems.
Helga deceided to take control of the situation.

She stood and cleared her throat. "Right, then. We have had endless meetings discussing in what manner the school should be taught and organized. There have been many heated debates because everyone seems to have a hidden agenda."

There were a few mild protestes from all three of them, but Helga quieted them with a wave of her hand. "So instead of trying to deciede on the organization of the school, let's try to deciede on simply what we like."

Salazar interupted, "Dear Helga, as interesting as that sounds, we simply do not have the time to waste on such frivolous ideas" he finished with a patronizing air.

"Quiet Salazar" said Godric sternly, "I think that we should listen to Helga this time."

Salazar opened his mouth to reply but something stopped him. It was the sad look on Rowena's face. So instead he turned back to Helga and said "lead on".

"Allright then, good. Now tell me this much, all of you. Think back to when we attended Maurolayra. What did you like about it? What did you hate? What did you wish you could have changed?"

Everyone grew quiet and serious, lost in thought. Helga smiled triumphantly as she gazed around the table.

"Co-ed showers" said Godric with a sly smile on his face.

Rowena giggled and punched his shoulder lightly.

Salazar simply scowled at him.

Helga gave Godric a small smile. "Let's remain serious. What could have made school a happier experience?"

"Well" began Rowena slowly, "I would have liked it if school felt more like home. I don't mean eliminating the fact that this is a school and you do have to apply yourself. I just wished that after classes there was somewhere we could go, to feel relaxed, take the pressure off and feel like home".

"Yeah, that sounds nice" Godric said ernestly.

"But we cannot build an area to accomidate all of the students. There simply is not enough room in the castle" Salazar pointed out.

"That's true" said Rowena, deflated.

"That's okay, because now we're on the right track" said Helga happily. "How about what kind of students should we admit into this school? What is the most important quality that we should look for?"

Everyone spoke at once.

"Intelligence" said Rowena.

"Ambition" said Salazar.

"Courage" said Godric.

"And I think that hard working is very important" said Helga. "It's obvious that we all believe that the kind of students we should admit are students who reflect our favorite qualities. So why don't we do the next best thing? Admit all students but each of us will support the students that we see ourselves in. Like having our own little families within the school".

"I like it" said Godric.

"Sounds like a great idea" said Rowena.

"Me too" said Salazar quietly. "But how? I mean this sounds nice on paper and everything, but what happens when we are presented with say 50 students? How do we divide them up? And do we simply teach our own group and if so, does that mean we have to teach everything?"

"No, we couldn't all teach everything, that seems a little strange. I- I- I don't know about that" said Helga sounding embarassed.

"How about we choose the subjects we like and eventually we'll hire some other teachers and only keep one class that we really like" said Rowena enthusiasticly. "Plus, we don't just teach our own group but we can also get to know all of the other students. For that matter though, the students will learn with others their own year and family."

"Yeah" said Godric chiming in. "And each family will have their own dormitories with seperate areas in the castle".

"Like houses!" cried Helga joining in.

"Exactly" said Godric. "And we can keep the position of our houses secret with a hidden entrace and an access password".

Helga began taking notes. "This is all fabulous, just great. One thing though. What should we name our houses? Maybe after a favorite symbol or animal, perhaps something important to us".

"I have an idea" said Rowena suddenly. "These houses, this school" she said gesturing around her, "will be here long after we pass hopefully".

The others nodded.

"Well then why don't we give our houses a proper start for all the history to come? We can name them after us and give them creasts, colors and symbols. Create a house, a family that is truly ours".

The others sat quietly in awe as this grand vision of their future spread out before them. Several moments later Salazar was the first to speak.

"That sounds...................." he paused and looked up at Rowena and there was a rare glint of warmth in his icy blue eyes. "......wonderful. That sounds like a wonderful home away from home".

Rowena smiled back.

The warmth in Salazar's eyes began to grow. Then Godric wrapped his arm around Rowena's shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

"That sounds really perfect" said Godric enveloping her in a warm hug.

Instantly the kindness in Salazar's eyes disappeared, like a flame being doused with water. The cold gleam he usually wore replaced it. No one even noticed.