Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
This is the second part of the founders' conversation with Dumbledore. Currently I am focusing on what the differences between life for a normal student and life for them from an education view point will be. Any suggestions that you think would contribute to the story are much appreciated.
I sincerely apologise for the length of this chapter and also the time it has taken to get out. I've busy and could only write every now and then - I wanted to get this out to you ASAP though.
The sound of soft hissing broke Dumbledore sharply out of his awe-struck ponderings. His head snapped up with enough force to give one whiplash as his eyes swivelled in their sockets to rest of the metallic silver eyes of the snake.
Once he had recuperated from his shock he shook his head and, with an intrigued smile on his face, he asked: "I'm sorry, but I do not believe familiars and I have yet been acquainted. May you introduce them to me?"
Salazar took a sly glance towards his wife before proceeding to stare at a point just below Dumbledore's eye. Dumbledore was an well-accomplished legilimens and, although all four of the founders trusted Dumbledore and did not believe he would do it regularly or without permission, he was currently in a room with the four founders and the temptation to take a peep into one of their minds could get unbearable. Focusing on a point near, but not directly in, the eye meant that it would take more energy and effort for him to penetrate their minds and so he would be less tempted.
"This is Zahara - she is a basilisk," one look at Dumbledore's face pressed Salazar to quickly continue, "Please, though, do not worry! Zahara is under strict instructions to keep her visual membrane down at all times and has been charmed specially by myself to have a limited growth span,"
Rowena continued, "This is Isis, my eagle," as she said this she shifted her hand gently so Isis could move to perch on her shoulder.
"This is Sus, my griffin," Godric pronounced warily.
And finally, Helga presented her treasured familiar, "And my familiar, Bagoose, who's a badger,"
Dumbledore had mostly remained quite for this introduction, however, now that it was over he told them - almost reassuringly - that they would be "Starting lessons just the same as any other students, although I am guessing you each have quarters somewhere. Remarkably well hidden, no one has ever been able to find them! I am sure you will be able to produce the small feats that are practiced in first year - and all other years for that matter - however I believe it would be good for you to spend this time getting to know the staff and pupils as well as, if need be, adapting to some of the newer spells or styles that have improved been invented over the centuries since your death,"
The four powerful witches/wizards then left the headmaster's office. Once down the spiral staircase they then separated into two pairs; Helga and Salazar turning and heading in the direction of the first floor girl's bathroom where a chamber was hidden, in which their rooms were situated. Goodrich and Rowena turned in favour of the seventh floor where they entered a mysterious door across the hall from Barnaby the Barmy's portrait after envisioning the password.
In the morning - once Helga had finally woken up to find Salazar staring at her with a smile of adoration on his face, and Rowena had managed to wake Godric up (turns out lowering the temperature in a room to freezing point and stripping the bed of its sheets was rather effective) they all convened outside the Great Hall.
"Ready for the staring, Salazar?" Salazar - who had never been one to appreciate fame and glory - merely grunted and sent an annoyed look at his wife.
And then, as if one, they simultaneously marched into the great hall with their backs held straight and their eyes scanning the tables set out on the cold cobblestone floor.
Unoriginal name for Godric's griffin, I know. Sus is Latin for pig, and since Ron's owl was Pigwideon or 'Pig' I though it suited him.