Chapter 5

I own everything you don't recognise, and nothing you do

Incidentally, I did a search for 'founders' on the Harry Potter summary section of the search engine, and mine didn't come up – the word 'founders' is in the summary, so I don't know why it didn't. No-one is reading this, so if you are, pleeeaaase review, even if it's just blank, as I'd like to know someone's reading. Thanks a lot, carolinastylus

The months passed and the seasons changed. Salazaar had returned home, ostensibly to help his father with his affairs, but there was a suspicion that he wanted to avoid helping in the village harvest.

That evening, the moon was huge and golden brown, tingeing the grey fields with flecks of gold on the rustling corn. It was the evening of the Harvest Ball, when all the villagers come out to dance and be thankful, the night before the Harvest is collected. Nereus and two of his sons were talking heatedly in front of the house, when Rowena swung up to them, being twirled around by her oldest brother.

"Papa, whatever is the matter? Why are you so worried? You needn't fear rain, we will have a dry week, I feel sure of it!" "It's not that, my little one, if only it were – Sirrus brings me word from beyond the mountains that the giants are planning their attack. They have ransacked the green island already, and want to reach hear before the first snows. We will be one of the first places they reach."

Shocked, Rowena clung on harder to Feravar, who tried to calm his father, "Don't worry father, there are four of us – we can ride along the coast to gain support, and there are others who will help us – Slytherin will, and all the families who send their boys here. I'll go to them immediately." "And I will go south again, sir, and bring men" Sirrus offered "I will follow the coast north, and send warning. There isn't a moment to lose" and with this, Orpheon strode off to the castle, to gather his things.

"What can I do Papa, there must be somewhere else you can send me?" asked Rowena "My girl, can you ride north to the Gryffindor clan. They live in the shadow of the great northern wall, and have often promised us help – my father fought for them against the trolls from the highlands. They will shelter you until they have recruited enough men; I must stay hear to govern the village whilst Feravar is away. They cannot know that something is wrong, we are weak enough already." "Of course, papa, don't worry about me. I'll go now, and be with you within the week."

Rowena rushed off to the castle, not bothering to change her clothes, but took up her wand and some bread and water in a leather bag, and pulled her travelling cloak around her shoulders. She tossed the saddle onto her little horse, and set off into the night.