(Centuries Ago)
"GODRIC!"
The cry of Rowena Ravenclaw was hoarse as she ran through the cold, dusty halls of Hogwarts Castle. Students draped in black cloaks quickly got out of her way, beginning to whisper at the strange sight of their normally stoic Lady Professor running desperately towards the third floor, "GODRIC!"
It took longer then the matriarch wanted to finally run headlong into the broad, muscular chest of Godric Gryffindor, Lord of Hogwarts and dear friend. Immediately catching the darker haired woman to keep her from falling, the Knight frowned at her desperate, frantic tone and fearful eyes.
"Rowena? What's happened?"
"In...in the village, Godric! In the village, a burning! They're going to burn someone!"
Hazel eyes widening, Godric took a firm grip on Rowena's shoulders as he held her steady.
"When, Rowena?"
"Now, Godric. They've lit the pyre! We must go, or we'll be to late!"
"I shall," Godric insisted, waving a hand as a worn burlap hat appeared on his head, "stay here."
"I'm coming with you."
"Rowena..." Godric's tone was withering as the woman shook her head and threw a finger at him.
"No! I'm coming with you, Godric. You'll need my help."
"Oh, very well Rowena," Godric sighed, knowing there was no negotiating with the woman without at least an hour to debate it; an hour they sorely lacked at the moment. Taking hold of the witch's elbow, Gryffindor gave it a reassuring squeeze, "hold on."
In a sharp crack the two vanished from the hall, leaving many bewildered young ones in their wake. It took only moments to arrive in the small town of Hogsmeade, which was settled in the shadow of the grand Hogwarts Castle. The muggles of the village had gathered in the center of town, screaming in rage and excitement. A man in a black cape and mask held a flaming torch in the air, waving it and leaving trails or smoke in the freezing winter air as he paced before the still empty pyre.
Grasping at his side to make sure his beloved sword was still in its scabbard, Godric took Rowena's wrist tightly as they ran into a nearby ally, keeping close to the shadows.
"...my friends! Today is a glorious day!" In the front of the crowd, another masked man was speaking to the gathered muggle crowd, his hands carved and bleeding with symbols neither Rowena nor Godric recognized, "there has been a witch hiding among us! And today, friends! Today she will burn!"
There were chants of 'Burn! Burn! Burn!' from the crowd as the mass of beings roared into a flurry as a third cultist pulled the accused by ropes towards the pyre. Godric heard Rowena gasp, and he himself felt the voice stolen from his throat by the beauty of the creature before him, and the horror to which she was being forced.
Stripped of her clothing with skin muddled black and blue from bruising, dirt and blood, her fearful dark eyes made his heart surge and burn like fire. The ropes tied around her neck and wrists left painful red lacerations upon delicate pale flesh, and as she stumbled due to badly abused bare feet her captor forced her to stand again with a harsh shove.
"How can muggles be so cruel," Rowena hissed, removing her wand with a snap from within her sleeve as Godric threw out his arm to halt her.
"Don't be foolish, Rowena. We must wait till just the right moment."
"She's going to die, Godric!"
"I won't let that happen," The man insisted, pulling his own wand and clutching it tight as he watched the girl. She was forcefully bound to the post, screaming in fear and panic as the crowd roared around her. Muggles threw rocks and sticks from the street, one of them striking her square forehead and drawing blood. There was a bark of pain as she inhaled sharply, pulling at the tightening ropes keeping her against the pyre.
"Mercy!" She cried in panic, her voice breaking and digging a hole into Godric's mind, "please! Please, mercy! I've done nothing! I'm innocent, please!"
"Silence, witch!" On the of the masked muggle men snapped, forcing a cloth into her mouth and tying it around the back of her head to quiet her screams of pain and fear.
"My friends! Today, we do Gods work." The leader announced, waving his arms about as there were cheers of excitement, "Today, we watch this creature suffer for following in the path of darkness!"
There was more noise from the gathered Muggles as wood and kindling were set around the base of the girls feet. Tensing as the torch was lowered with a puff of smoke, Godric made a motion with his hand and he and Rowena sprung into action. Summoning several explosions around the outside of the crowd, panic ensued as muggles scrambled left and right to safety.
The masked cultists were barely able to put up a fight as Rowena stunned them expertly, tossing their frozen bodies into walls in her intense fury. Godric sent a pillar of water to the smoking pyre, smothering the infant blaze with ease. Striding towards the young woman as he kicked away the soggy kindling, her muffled sobs reached Godric's ears as he gently held her cheek, wiping away the dirt and soot upon it.
"Look at me, child," he whispered, keeping the girls attention as Rowena used slashing hexes to break her bonds, "look at me, please."
The girl's eyes forced open, and Godric could see his reflection in their darkness. She feared him. "I'm here to help you."
Removing the cloth tie from her lips and allowing her to breathe once again, her cries faltered as she crumpled to his chest, weak and exhausted.
"We must get her to Helga immediately," Rowena insisted desperately, placing a hand on the girls lacerated back to soothe her quivering, "she's going into shock."
"Yes." Godric agreed numbly, feeling a small fist knot tightly into his red cloaks as there was an achy cry, "Yes we must go at once."
Swinging an arm under her legs, Godric cradled the girl close to his chest as Rowena clutched his shoulder and they vanished from town in a flash. Helga was waiting for them in the foyer as they arrived, her normally cheerful face going pale at the sight of the young woman still held within Godric's arms.
"Good gracious," she breathed, summoning a floating stretcher with her wand, "I will tend to her immediately."
Nodding stiffly, Godric gently set his ward into the crisp white hammock, her figure so incredibly small and filthy against the cream canvas. Her fist was the last to leave him as Helga carried her away, and it made a fire rage within his gut. Finding the hilt of his sword mindlessly, the man huffed.
"I ought to return and behead the ones who did this," he spat unhappily, "maybe sick one of Salazars beasts upon them in the night."
"Don't be rash, Godric," Rowena chided immediately, "that will only worsen our relations to the non-magical types in the village. We don't need their kind storming the Castle in anger."
"You know as well as I that the muggles see nothing of us here," Godric chuckled wearily, "oblivious they are to anything magical, you know."
"Indeed, indeed," Rowena nodded, clutching Godric's arm tightly, as though to keep him from carrying out his threats, "I must go inform Salazar of this development. You will go to her?"
"I shall."
"Good. You will see if she's truly one of us?"
"Yes, Rowena. Please go, Salazar will have my head if he discovers a guest in the castle without his knowledge."
Rolling her eyes slightly, Rowena disappeared off towards the dungeon in billowing blue clouds as the man sighed deeply. Fingering his beard, the ring on his hand warmed comfortingly as he stared at its embossed lion.
"Come, my friend. We must see to our guest." He chortled, mind elsewhere as he made his way towards the hospital ward. Greeting students half-heartedly on his way, his hesitance at the large oak door surprised even himself. Choosing to knock rather then simply allow himself entry, Helga's call for him to come in was muffled by the doors. Upon passing the doorway, the portly woman glanced around a wooden screen with an image of dancing unicorns on it.
"Godric?" She asked curiously, "so soon?"
"It was a delicate situation in the village," he admitted with a shrug, not failing to notice Helga's chiding look at his sword. She didn't like weaponry in the hospital wing, but knew better then to ask him to remove it, "how is she?"
"I've healed what I can, but she has yet to wake." Helga sighed, "I must go and fetch more potions, can you watch her while I'm away?"
"Of course my friend. Please go."
Nodding curtly, Helga vanished into a back room as Godric stared down at the figure in the bed. She looked better, but the rings below her eyes were much to dark, and her breaths shuttered with each inhale. Despite being healed, Godric could see raised areas across her skin from old, scarred wounds. Lowering himself into a carved wooden seat, the man rubbed his forehead as he gently pulled the worn hat off his head. Staring at it for a moment, Godric gently set it on the strangers lap and the creases immediately came to life.
"Ah? Interesting, very interesting indeed."
"Tell me, my companion, is she a witch?"
"Yes. I sense magic here, but not a strong magical ancestry. Her parents were muggles, as were her grandparents, and great grandparents."
"A witch born of muggles?" Godric asked in amazement, "are you sure? I've never heard of a Muggleborn witch before."
"Yes, I'm certain. Let's see. I see intelligence and a willingness to learn, perfect for Ravenclaw. But I also sense a fearlessness, nerve and loyalty."
"What's your say, friend?" Godric asked gently, as to not wake the slumbering girl, "where does she belong?"
"Better be...Gryffindor."
Godric released the breath he had been holding and smiled, removing the hat and returning it to his head of auburn curls.
"...were...were you conversing with your hat, sir?"
Jumping at the small voice, Godric turned his eyes to the bed. Near black marbles stared back at him, still exhausted but clearly curious.
"Yes, I was. He's is my very best companion, and very knowledgeable. Not much of a conversationalist I'm afraid though."
"How can a...a hat be knowledgeable?" She rasped, shifting with a wince as Godric moved to readjust the quilt which had slid down to reveal a bare shoulder.
"Easy, little dove. You've had a trying day."
"Where am I?"
"Hogwarts Castle," Godric answered simply, "You'll be safe here,"
"A castle?" The girl queried, seeming to illuminate with curiosity. As she moved again, a sharp hiss left her throat as Godric straitened worriedly.
"Are you in pain? Shall I summon Helga — she's a healer..."
"A bit, but I-I'm fine."
She settled again, lifting a shaky hand to brush a walnut colored curl away from her sallow cheek, "who...who are you?" Her eyes searching him carefully, they landed on his sword and suddenly became very weary.
"Worry not, little dove," Godric chuckled, patting the hilt fondly, "it's more for show then anything. I am Lord Godric Gryffindor, of Hogwarts Castle. You are my guest, Miss...?"
"Belle, m'Lord." She croaked quietly, "Belle De'grange."
"Please, just Godric if you must." He said, waving away the formality, "Is that an accent I hear on your tongue?"
"Oui, monsieur. Je viens de Paris."
"Paris, hm?" Godric mused, "lovely city, but that's quite a journey."
"Yes. I suppose it was."
Noticing the change of tone, Godric frowned and moved to speak on it when Helga returned, her arms filled with bottles and jars.
"Ah, you're awake, dear. Very good. Godric, I have tending to do. I'm sure Salazar is curious about what went on today. You should seek him out."
Moving to argue, Helga's look was firm as the man sighed and nodded. Before leaving though, he gently took Belle's pale hand in his and kissed the bruised knuckles.
"Till we meet again, little dove. Do try not to give my dear Helga to much trouble while you're here?"
This garnered a breathy laugh from Belle as Godric felt his heart swell again. He loved her laugh — he loved how it was light, like the fluttering of bird wings. Giving a curt bow to his fellow Lady, Godric left the hospital wing with a certain spring in his step. In his mind he was giddy as a school boy, determined to return to Belle again after speaking with Salazar himself.
ter speaking with Salazar himself./p
