So, this was supposed to be for a challenge.. but then I took too long so... But I like the story (even if it's rushed, and too short) and I kind of consider it a preview for the story I was planning on writing about for the Founders. So, please enjoy!
It all starts with a simple declaration one dreary, rainy afternoon.
The four friends are sitting in a joint house they purchased together, enjoying a quiet cup of tea with some delicious snacks that Helga had made, talking quietly amongst themselves. It's a peaceful day, and the rain taps rhythmically on the window panes.
Godric, who's on the verge of nodding off, jumps up as a sudden, brilliant idea crosses his mind. Immediately, all attention is pulled towards him.
"You know what?" He says, smiling at the rest of them in a way they've become painfully familiar with in these past few months. The other three are instantly awake, and wary. They know he's about to suggest something grand and ridiculous.
"I want to build a school for wizards and witches like us!"
The silence in the room is deafening.
This is the most ludicrous idea they've heard from him yet. Rowena is so shocked she doesn't even bother to reprimand him, like she always does. Helga adopts a look of bewilderment, as if she simply can't comprehend the idea. Salazar is just blank-faced.
Godric beams at them.
And, like nothing happened, the conversation in the room resumes.
"Hey, don't just ignore me!"
Salazar turns towards Godric, eyebrow raised. "Oh, you were being serious?"
"Of course I was!"
He fumes quietly to himself at not being taken seriously. Helga smiled sympathetically at him, her brain trying to imagine the thought of a Wizarding school.
Rowena sighs. "And just where were you planning to build a school? What about teachers? How are you going to prevent the Muggles from noticing? And have you even—"
"Well, I was hoping you guys would help with that." Godric cuts in, smiling hopefully at them.
Rowena's eyebrow twitches. "Don't just dump your problems on us!"
As it turns out, Rowena does most of the planning. From selecting the location, to plotting the school sizes, to sorting out the actual educational system and subjects.
It doesn't help that the other three are constantly asking her to add a little detail here, or another one there. It's never ending, and her temper is up in the air most of the time because of that.
"Hey, Rowena! Let's make a room that conforms to whatever you want it to be just by thinking!"
"Rowena, would it be possible to have a large kitchen? You see, I was thinking of enlisting the help of house-elves, and they could get paid!"
"I think it would be interesting to have a secret chamber underground."
Rowena is constantly changing things in her plans, and she wonders if they'll ever get the damned thing built.
They are halfway through construction when the animals start coming in.
First is the giant squid. Then comes the basilisk, which they scold Salazar for. Unicorns somehow creep into the giant forest by the edge of the school, and before they know it, they have a thriving creature population.
"This is great!" Godric grins, ecstatic. "This is even better than I imagined it would be!"
His mood dampens severely when grumpy centaurs move in as well.
It's finished. It's finally, finally finished. The accumulation of all their hard work and sweat and tears is standing tall and proud in front of them.
The only thing is…
"I'm sorry? Did you just call our school Hogwarts?"