*The Next Phase*
Salazar had heard the many accusations against Professor Ravenclaw. He was often caused a crazy revolutionary. Salazar had always defended Professor Ravenclaw on principle. Though he new little of the man's beliefs he had always been sure that such an intelligent man as Professor Ravenclaw could never be wrong. Salazar, who had been brought up in a very conservative household, saw that clearly some of the old ideas needed to change, but marriage was not one of them. The idea of arranging his own marriage had been quite revolutionary enough for Slytherin. Salazar believed himself to be a true intellectual. He believed in facts not feelings. Love was something created in the minds of men; it was only an illusion. Only weak men believed in illusions, and Salazar was definitely not a weak man. Salazar now saw that other men could not be trusted. That one must look only to oneself for moral guidance. For one could never know what false beliefs might empower other men.
Later that night Salazar began to discuss his new views with his roommate Duncan Whitby. Duncan was studying philosophy and was always curious to hear people's theories. Though Salazar was not close with Duncan he found him to be a good listener and full of important guidance. Duncan did not give advice, but posed questions to Salazar that somehow always led him to surprising conclusions.
After Salazar finished stating his ideas Duncan leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes slightly, meditating on what he had heard. Then without moving, he spoke softly and clearly to Slytherin.
"How do you know that your beliefs are right?"
"I guess you don't know, but there's no way to know if anyone else's beliefs are right either. If you can't trust yourself who can you trust? There are no guarantees. Perhaps no one's right."
"Are there any universal morals?" Salazar thought for a moment. He had always assumed that all mankind must accept certain things as morals of mankind, but as he thought about it, he couldn't place his finger on anything that all men accepted without question. He could see Duncan's question allowing his theory to go down an unseen path.
"No."
"No?"
"No. One might say that murder is a universal sin, but men murder each other daily, for money, land, protection, and millions of other reasons. Clearly these murders think what they are doing is right."
"So good and evil are just perceptions."
"Yes." And with that short three-letter word Salazar's life changed forever. He would no longer let the beliefs and traditions of others bind him. He must find his own path and only he could know what was right and true.
"Thank you Duncan."
"My pleasure. You bring up some interesting ideas. You reminded me of something. I'm going to the library, I need to look some things up." Duncan got up and left.
A few moments later a large owl swooped into the dorm room dropping a large letter on his lap before perching on the corner of his dresser. He immediately recognized the Slytherin family crest. He tore upon the seal and found an invitation to the wedding of Godric Gryffindor and Cecily Blythe, the daughter of a powerful and wealthy Wizarding family. Ah, the perfect pair, my father would settle for not less profitable of a relationship. He had no desire to attend the affair, but he new that he would need money from his father to set up the school. He quickly wrote a positive response and sent the note off with the owl. He had not been home for five years. He wondered how his old life would look through his new eyes.
It was the day after school was over. Salazar was preparing his things to leave. The wedding was going to be in a few weeks, but he thought he could help with the preparations, at least that was his excuse for coming. In reality he had nowhere else to go. After the wedding Rowena and him were going to begin scouting for school locations, but until then he had nowhere to live.
All his things were packed and ready to go. He had said good-bye to everyone, except for Professor Ravenclaw. As he was waiting for the carriage to come he decided to visit the professor. He wasn't mad at the professor, disillusioned yes, but not mad. After his philosophical epiphany any anger against the man had subsided. He had postponed the meeting only because it would make the ending of this phase of his life so definite. His years at college had been the most fulfilling of his life. He had high expectations for the future, but the future was so uncertain. His life in college had always been predictable. He was guaranteed to find days of studying, learning, and witty banter. He enjoyed predictability. It made him feel in control. He hated feeling weak and lack of control was definitely a sign of weakness.
As he opened the door and the professor smiled at him a touch of anger rose inside his chest, as the scene seemed all too familiar to the last time he was in the office, but the anger quickly subsided.
"I'm leaving now Professor." He realized it sounded stupid. He knew the professor must of heard of his departure, but he didn't know what else to say.
"It's going to be alright." He smiled at this remembering one of the reasons he had always respected the professor so much, his sometimes almost uncanny ability to read his mind. Perhaps that was why he had been so affected by his lack of understanding when it came to Salazar's feelings on marriage.
"I know."
"But you can't help feeling unsure." Salazar knew that the professor knew that Salazar would never admit to being unsure of anything, but he also knew that this sentiment would not be lost on Salazar. "I have high expectations for you. I see in you the determination to be a success. I expect letters on your progress."
"Of course professor." The conversation was interrupted by a man entering the room.
"Your carriage is here Mr. Slytherin."
"Thank you. I'll be out in a moment."
"Wait," said Professor Ravenclaw to the carriage driver.
"Yes?"
"The carriage will not be required. Mr. Slytherin has found other means of transportation." The carriage driver looked at Salazar. Salazar looked at the professor unsure of what he was talking about. The professor nodded at Salazar who nodded at the carriage driver.
"As you wish," said the carriage driver as he left the room.
"How do you propose I get home if not by carriage? I really don't think a broom would be practical." He pointed to a small pot with dust in it affixed to the side of the fireplace. Salazar had never noticed it there before.
"Flu powder."
"What?"
"One of my latest inventions. You stand in the fireplace, take a handful of the powder, throw it down as you clearly state where you want to go, and in seconds you're transported there. It's very simple."
"Alright." Salazar gathered his things and then stood in the fireplace. He took a handful of the powder and with perfect enunciation pronounced his chosen location. "Slytherin Manor." Salazar was shocked as blue flames shot up at him and he was whirled round in round as fireplaces shot before his eyes. He had never experienced anything like this before. He wobbled slightly almost falling to the floor as he suddenly stopped inside the fireplace of Slytherin Manor. He was amazingly impressed by the flu powder. Professor Ravenclaw would be an important resource when he started the school.
As he walked out of the fireplace and into the main hall of Slytherin Manor, he felt like he was walking back into the past. He jumped at the sudden sound of a squeak behind him. Turning around, he saw the familiar form of the house elf Faxon.
"Master Slytherin, you've finally returned!" Salazar had quickly endeared himself to the house elves. He had always treated them with respect, which had been a wonderful change from the cruel attitude his father had treated them with. He saw within them great magical ability, which he believed earned them respect. Though Salazar was not a warm individual, cold was a word often used to describe him, he had a good deal of respect for all mankind. This of course did not in anyway change the fact that he was a complete and utter elitist, but he believed that all creatures deserved to be at least free from physical harm. This may have come more from the fact that he believed violence to be completely and utterly barbaric, and above all he despised barbarism, more then it came from any sympathy towards others. Salazar was full of contradictions, most likely from the fact that he was raised in a household so conflicting from anything that was in his soul. Salazar never tried to work out these contradictions and instead just went with his beliefs.
"Hello Faxon."
"You remembered." Salazar gave Faxon one of his rare smiles. He could never help, but be charmed by the innocence of the house elves.
"I must tell Master Gryffindor you're here."
"Where is my father?" Salazar had no desire to see Godric.
"He is gone."
"Gone where?"
"I do not know. I am just a lowly house elf. No one tells me these things."
"Well then I suppose tell Godric I am here and I'll need some elves to help with my things."
"Of course Master Slytherin. I am so glad you have returned," and with that he scurried away. As soon as Faxon left Salazar's mouth turned into a scowl. He could feel himself quickly being drawn back into the life he had so greatly detested. He held his breath and shut his eyes as if trying to savor the last bits of air left from his life at school. He heard heavy footsteps enter the hall and he new without even opening his eyes who was there. Godric never had developed the aristocrat grace that Salazar had. It was only the thought that one day Salazar was going to turn this world on end that gave him the strength to open his eyes and face Godric, the incarnation of barbarism.
Godric looked at Salazar standing in the hall with his eyes shut a scowl on his face. He felt a twinge of disappointment. He hadn't expected a warm welcome, but he was always slightly shocked at how cold Salazar could be. How could he be so decent to the house elves and yet so horrible to him? He abruptly stopped this line of thought. Godric was not one to complain.
"Slytherin. I didn't expect you this soon. When did you leave? It's almost a days travel isn't it?"
"By carriage. I left about," he pulled out his gold pocket watch, "ten minutes ago."
"How did you get here? Even flying would take you several hours."
"Flu powder."
"Flu powder?"
"You really need to get out more." Salazar was always delighted at the opportunity to make Godric look like a fool. He would not admit that he had not the slightest knowledge of Flu powder either, until about ten minutes ago.
Godric blushed slightly at this. He was always embarrassed when Salazar pointed out his blaring lack of culture. Godric noticed that with his blush, the edges of Salazar's mouth turned up slightly, his embarrassment quickly turned to anger, and he tried to think of a spiteful comeback. The interruption of the house elves coming in to take Salazar's bags allowed Godric a moment to calm down. He had promised himself he would be civil to Salazar.
"Where is my father?"
"The Calhouns attacked the Blythes."
"Ah, the petty warfare of the wizards."
"Don't be so scornful. You're a wizard too."
"That I am. So why are you not off bravely defending your fiancés family?"
"Someone has to stay behind and watch the manor."
"And father's never one to stay behind and miss getting himself killed." Godric felt a touch of brotherly bond as Salazar spoke these words; even through the negativity they gave to Godric's war ridden way of life.
Suddenly the front door shook.
"Looks as if some of your friend are here," said Salazar unconcerned by the fact that they were being attacked by one of the many warring wizard factions. He had been through millions of these attacks through his boyhood and was quite aware of the protocol. His father and the rest of his male relatives would come whooping out the door throwing curses right and left with large grins on their faces.
"Lord!" Godric ran to the long brass tube affixed to the front wall, so he could see what was going on outside. "It's the Braxtons.and the Calhouns. They must have attacked the Blythes to move the forces from the manor."
"I'll be in my room. Have fun." Salazar began to walk to his room, but before he could go more then a few steps Godric grabbed him by the arm.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I DIDN'T REALIZE YOUR WERE HARD OF HEARNG! I'M GOING TO MY ROOM!"
"I CAN HEAR YOU, but I need your help. I don't know if you realize it, but there's no one else in this house, and there are twenty angry wizard outside the door, and I cannot fight them alone."
"I realize five years is a long time, but I thought you would remember I don't do the whole fighting thing."
"Well I hope you do the whole dying thing, because they're not going to care that you have extensive skills in Latin."
"It's all a game. I doubt that they can even get through the door." The door shook more violently. "Perhaps they can."
"You spent almost you're entire childhood locked in your bedroom working on magic. Don't you have some spell you could use to ward off some wizards?"
"I could do if I wanted to. I'm just opposed to violence. It's barbaric."
"Well I don't think they care." Godric pointed to the door as the wood began to splinter.
A/N: Longer chapter. It's starting to get to the meat of the story. I know this story is supposed to be romance and it will be getting to romance very soon I promise. Thanks for the review mystic-damon. Please review and tell me what you think of the chapter.
Salazar had heard the many accusations against Professor Ravenclaw. He was often caused a crazy revolutionary. Salazar had always defended Professor Ravenclaw on principle. Though he new little of the man's beliefs he had always been sure that such an intelligent man as Professor Ravenclaw could never be wrong. Salazar, who had been brought up in a very conservative household, saw that clearly some of the old ideas needed to change, but marriage was not one of them. The idea of arranging his own marriage had been quite revolutionary enough for Slytherin. Salazar believed himself to be a true intellectual. He believed in facts not feelings. Love was something created in the minds of men; it was only an illusion. Only weak men believed in illusions, and Salazar was definitely not a weak man. Salazar now saw that other men could not be trusted. That one must look only to oneself for moral guidance. For one could never know what false beliefs might empower other men.
Later that night Salazar began to discuss his new views with his roommate Duncan Whitby. Duncan was studying philosophy and was always curious to hear people's theories. Though Salazar was not close with Duncan he found him to be a good listener and full of important guidance. Duncan did not give advice, but posed questions to Salazar that somehow always led him to surprising conclusions.
After Salazar finished stating his ideas Duncan leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes slightly, meditating on what he had heard. Then without moving, he spoke softly and clearly to Slytherin.
"How do you know that your beliefs are right?"
"I guess you don't know, but there's no way to know if anyone else's beliefs are right either. If you can't trust yourself who can you trust? There are no guarantees. Perhaps no one's right."
"Are there any universal morals?" Salazar thought for a moment. He had always assumed that all mankind must accept certain things as morals of mankind, but as he thought about it, he couldn't place his finger on anything that all men accepted without question. He could see Duncan's question allowing his theory to go down an unseen path.
"No."
"No?"
"No. One might say that murder is a universal sin, but men murder each other daily, for money, land, protection, and millions of other reasons. Clearly these murders think what they are doing is right."
"So good and evil are just perceptions."
"Yes." And with that short three-letter word Salazar's life changed forever. He would no longer let the beliefs and traditions of others bind him. He must find his own path and only he could know what was right and true.
"Thank you Duncan."
"My pleasure. You bring up some interesting ideas. You reminded me of something. I'm going to the library, I need to look some things up." Duncan got up and left.
A few moments later a large owl swooped into the dorm room dropping a large letter on his lap before perching on the corner of his dresser. He immediately recognized the Slytherin family crest. He tore upon the seal and found an invitation to the wedding of Godric Gryffindor and Cecily Blythe, the daughter of a powerful and wealthy Wizarding family. Ah, the perfect pair, my father would settle for not less profitable of a relationship. He had no desire to attend the affair, but he new that he would need money from his father to set up the school. He quickly wrote a positive response and sent the note off with the owl. He had not been home for five years. He wondered how his old life would look through his new eyes.
It was the day after school was over. Salazar was preparing his things to leave. The wedding was going to be in a few weeks, but he thought he could help with the preparations, at least that was his excuse for coming. In reality he had nowhere else to go. After the wedding Rowena and him were going to begin scouting for school locations, but until then he had nowhere to live.
All his things were packed and ready to go. He had said good-bye to everyone, except for Professor Ravenclaw. As he was waiting for the carriage to come he decided to visit the professor. He wasn't mad at the professor, disillusioned yes, but not mad. After his philosophical epiphany any anger against the man had subsided. He had postponed the meeting only because it would make the ending of this phase of his life so definite. His years at college had been the most fulfilling of his life. He had high expectations for the future, but the future was so uncertain. His life in college had always been predictable. He was guaranteed to find days of studying, learning, and witty banter. He enjoyed predictability. It made him feel in control. He hated feeling weak and lack of control was definitely a sign of weakness.
As he opened the door and the professor smiled at him a touch of anger rose inside his chest, as the scene seemed all too familiar to the last time he was in the office, but the anger quickly subsided.
"I'm leaving now Professor." He realized it sounded stupid. He knew the professor must of heard of his departure, but he didn't know what else to say.
"It's going to be alright." He smiled at this remembering one of the reasons he had always respected the professor so much, his sometimes almost uncanny ability to read his mind. Perhaps that was why he had been so affected by his lack of understanding when it came to Salazar's feelings on marriage.
"I know."
"But you can't help feeling unsure." Salazar knew that the professor knew that Salazar would never admit to being unsure of anything, but he also knew that this sentiment would not be lost on Salazar. "I have high expectations for you. I see in you the determination to be a success. I expect letters on your progress."
"Of course professor." The conversation was interrupted by a man entering the room.
"Your carriage is here Mr. Slytherin."
"Thank you. I'll be out in a moment."
"Wait," said Professor Ravenclaw to the carriage driver.
"Yes?"
"The carriage will not be required. Mr. Slytherin has found other means of transportation." The carriage driver looked at Salazar. Salazar looked at the professor unsure of what he was talking about. The professor nodded at Salazar who nodded at the carriage driver.
"As you wish," said the carriage driver as he left the room.
"How do you propose I get home if not by carriage? I really don't think a broom would be practical." He pointed to a small pot with dust in it affixed to the side of the fireplace. Salazar had never noticed it there before.
"Flu powder."
"What?"
"One of my latest inventions. You stand in the fireplace, take a handful of the powder, throw it down as you clearly state where you want to go, and in seconds you're transported there. It's very simple."
"Alright." Salazar gathered his things and then stood in the fireplace. He took a handful of the powder and with perfect enunciation pronounced his chosen location. "Slytherin Manor." Salazar was shocked as blue flames shot up at him and he was whirled round in round as fireplaces shot before his eyes. He had never experienced anything like this before. He wobbled slightly almost falling to the floor as he suddenly stopped inside the fireplace of Slytherin Manor. He was amazingly impressed by the flu powder. Professor Ravenclaw would be an important resource when he started the school.
As he walked out of the fireplace and into the main hall of Slytherin Manor, he felt like he was walking back into the past. He jumped at the sudden sound of a squeak behind him. Turning around, he saw the familiar form of the house elf Faxon.
"Master Slytherin, you've finally returned!" Salazar had quickly endeared himself to the house elves. He had always treated them with respect, which had been a wonderful change from the cruel attitude his father had treated them with. He saw within them great magical ability, which he believed earned them respect. Though Salazar was not a warm individual, cold was a word often used to describe him, he had a good deal of respect for all mankind. This of course did not in anyway change the fact that he was a complete and utter elitist, but he believed that all creatures deserved to be at least free from physical harm. This may have come more from the fact that he believed violence to be completely and utterly barbaric, and above all he despised barbarism, more then it came from any sympathy towards others. Salazar was full of contradictions, most likely from the fact that he was raised in a household so conflicting from anything that was in his soul. Salazar never tried to work out these contradictions and instead just went with his beliefs.
"Hello Faxon."
"You remembered." Salazar gave Faxon one of his rare smiles. He could never help, but be charmed by the innocence of the house elves.
"I must tell Master Gryffindor you're here."
"Where is my father?" Salazar had no desire to see Godric.
"He is gone."
"Gone where?"
"I do not know. I am just a lowly house elf. No one tells me these things."
"Well then I suppose tell Godric I am here and I'll need some elves to help with my things."
"Of course Master Slytherin. I am so glad you have returned," and with that he scurried away. As soon as Faxon left Salazar's mouth turned into a scowl. He could feel himself quickly being drawn back into the life he had so greatly detested. He held his breath and shut his eyes as if trying to savor the last bits of air left from his life at school. He heard heavy footsteps enter the hall and he new without even opening his eyes who was there. Godric never had developed the aristocrat grace that Salazar had. It was only the thought that one day Salazar was going to turn this world on end that gave him the strength to open his eyes and face Godric, the incarnation of barbarism.
Godric looked at Salazar standing in the hall with his eyes shut a scowl on his face. He felt a twinge of disappointment. He hadn't expected a warm welcome, but he was always slightly shocked at how cold Salazar could be. How could he be so decent to the house elves and yet so horrible to him? He abruptly stopped this line of thought. Godric was not one to complain.
"Slytherin. I didn't expect you this soon. When did you leave? It's almost a days travel isn't it?"
"By carriage. I left about," he pulled out his gold pocket watch, "ten minutes ago."
"How did you get here? Even flying would take you several hours."
"Flu powder."
"Flu powder?"
"You really need to get out more." Salazar was always delighted at the opportunity to make Godric look like a fool. He would not admit that he had not the slightest knowledge of Flu powder either, until about ten minutes ago.
Godric blushed slightly at this. He was always embarrassed when Salazar pointed out his blaring lack of culture. Godric noticed that with his blush, the edges of Salazar's mouth turned up slightly, his embarrassment quickly turned to anger, and he tried to think of a spiteful comeback. The interruption of the house elves coming in to take Salazar's bags allowed Godric a moment to calm down. He had promised himself he would be civil to Salazar.
"Where is my father?"
"The Calhouns attacked the Blythes."
"Ah, the petty warfare of the wizards."
"Don't be so scornful. You're a wizard too."
"That I am. So why are you not off bravely defending your fiancés family?"
"Someone has to stay behind and watch the manor."
"And father's never one to stay behind and miss getting himself killed." Godric felt a touch of brotherly bond as Salazar spoke these words; even through the negativity they gave to Godric's war ridden way of life.
Suddenly the front door shook.
"Looks as if some of your friend are here," said Salazar unconcerned by the fact that they were being attacked by one of the many warring wizard factions. He had been through millions of these attacks through his boyhood and was quite aware of the protocol. His father and the rest of his male relatives would come whooping out the door throwing curses right and left with large grins on their faces.
"Lord!" Godric ran to the long brass tube affixed to the front wall, so he could see what was going on outside. "It's the Braxtons.and the Calhouns. They must have attacked the Blythes to move the forces from the manor."
"I'll be in my room. Have fun." Salazar began to walk to his room, but before he could go more then a few steps Godric grabbed him by the arm.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I DIDN'T REALIZE YOUR WERE HARD OF HEARNG! I'M GOING TO MY ROOM!"
"I CAN HEAR YOU, but I need your help. I don't know if you realize it, but there's no one else in this house, and there are twenty angry wizard outside the door, and I cannot fight them alone."
"I realize five years is a long time, but I thought you would remember I don't do the whole fighting thing."
"Well I hope you do the whole dying thing, because they're not going to care that you have extensive skills in Latin."
"It's all a game. I doubt that they can even get through the door." The door shook more violently. "Perhaps they can."
"You spent almost you're entire childhood locked in your bedroom working on magic. Don't you have some spell you could use to ward off some wizards?"
"I could do if I wanted to. I'm just opposed to violence. It's barbaric."
"Well I don't think they care." Godric pointed to the door as the wood began to splinter.
A/N: Longer chapter. It's starting to get to the meat of the story. I know this story is supposed to be romance and it will be getting to romance very soon I promise. Thanks for the review mystic-damon. Please review and tell me what you think of the chapter.