Dear Sal
Helga Hufflepuff writes to Salazar Slytherin after his departure from Hogwarts. Written for the prompt "Wish you were here".
Helga stared for a long moment at the blank parchment before her. The quill trembled between her fingers and tears stung at the corners of her eyes. "Enough," she murmured to herself. "Get yourself together, Helga."
Dear Sal,
If you're reading this, the owl has found you, for which I am more thankful than I have words to express. Where have you been? Why haven't you sent word? I know you parted from us on unpleasant terms, but Sal, really, not even a note to let us know you're alive? To let me know?
Sal, I'll be direct: Hogwarts needs you most desperately. While we have found someone to take over as Head of your house - which is still called Slytherin, even in your absence - there is something going terribly, deeply wrong. Your sensible wariness of Muggles and their destructive power, your concern about the security risk young Muggleborns inevitably pose - these are being twisted. The new Head of Slytherin is an aristocrat, and I fear he's simplifying this complex issue far too much.
Sal, the Slytherin children are beginning to spout the most utter nonsense about blood purity. It's frightening, and their young minds are so impressionable.
I'm frightened of the schisms I see building. They will destroy us in a way the external attacks never could and divide us beyond recognition. You must come back to us. Bring your clarity, your vision. I know your fears about trusting Muggleborns after the attack. But we will find a way. With you, together, we will find a way. Just come back to us.
Yours always,
Hellie