Chapter 1: The History of Godric Gryffindor
Godric Gryffindor was born sometime during the 10th century to Gildas and Anaguisl Gryffindor. The exact date is unknown, although it is believed to be sometime during the 990's. His birthplace in western England later became known as Godric's Hollow, the future birthplace of other noted wizards, such as Gellert Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter.
Little is known about his family, childhood and youth. It appears that he was born into a pureblood family, although later in life he was noted for his pro-Muggleborn attitude, which was unusual for that time period. His family seemed to be prominent, although not overtly wealthy. He appeared to have had 2 sisters, one older and one younger. His older sister, Gwen, appeared to have had a romantic relationship with Godric's good friend Salazar Slytherin, although it seemed to have petered out before anything could become of it. What Godric thought of this relationship is unknown. She later married another wizard by the name of Harald Hardrada. His younger sister Proscen died when she was 14 years of age.
The Gryffindor family appeared to have traveled around England until settling down near present day Yorkshire when Gryffindor was around 9 years old. It was around this period that he began learning magic from his father, as was the custom during that time. His mother described his first wand a letter to her sister:
"… Godric got his first wand last Wednesday. It is a [rather] nice wand made [of] oak, dragon heartstring core, and is [fairly] flexible. As soon as [he] acquired it, Godric began swishing it around in a manner befitting one wield a sword. Gwen was very annoyed with him and quickly disarmed him, which [of course] made Godric angry. Proscen laughed with mirth the whole time…"
Along with this happy event, Godric came to the acquaintance of Salazar Slytherin. By accounts from his mother's letters and sister Proscen's diary, the two were bosom buddies that fought almost constantly, but always had each other's backs. "It is an odd relationship," Proscen wrote. "They will bicker constantly, yet as soon as someone else insults [one], they will band together against the offender. They are much like an old married couple. It is rather curious, yet funny." Already one can see the foreshadowing of future turmoil and fights that would occur between these two.
The next period in Gryffindor's life is shrouded in mystery. It appears that, after he came of age, he traveled the world in the company of Salazar Slytherin. Along the way they came into the company of childhood friends Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw. The four future founders of Hogwarts apparently met in Nice, France. They quickly gained a reputation as "the four most brilliant witches and wizards of the time". It was also around this time that Gryffindor bought his famous sword from Ragnuk the First, a goblin king. The sword was later donated to Hogwarts and is said to appear to any worthy Gryffindor in times of need. Also at this time, Godric's brother Salvius was born. He was an unexpected and hard pregnancy. It is suspected that Godric returned home for a time, and that the other three accompanied him.
Around the time he turned 25 years old, the four companions came up with the idea to create a school of magic. Traveling had evidently shown the poor magical education that young witches and wizards were receiving, and they wished to change this. Ravenclaw was the first to propose the idea of a school, which the others quickly supported.
They chose the location of the current Hogwarts castle in Scotland, near Dufftown. The school was, right from the start, Unplottable. Other spells put on the castle include a Muggle-repelling charm (an idea apparently gleaned from Slytherin) and anti-Apparition charms. The founders began building around 1030, and finished the castle, in its' entirety, about 1032. Then it became time to admit students to the school.
There was much fighting between the founders as to who should be invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, particularly between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Slytherin wished for only those of pure magical blood to attend, yet Gryffindor felt that all those with magical blood should but admitted to the school. In the end, Gryffindor's ideals won out, although Slytherin carried the grudge for the rest of his life. The two never got on well again.
Attendance during the first year of school was low, seeing only about 30 students in the school at one time, ranging in age from 9 to 17 years old. The first sorting was apparently hand-chosen, where students were placed into houses based on which founder chose them. Gryffindor chose those who exemplified the qualities of "bravery, daring, never and chivalry". House crests did not come into play until 20 years in the future. Their common room is and was, from the very start, on the seventh floor behind the portrait of the Fat Lady.
Gryffindor apparently taught Defense Against the Dark Arts while at Hogwarts. He did this until about the age of 150, when he retired. Hogwarts had been thriving for many years, and boasted an attendance of about 500 students. Today, double that number attends.
Their retirement posed the question of who would sort the students after they were gone. Gryffindor was the one to propose the Sorting Hat. From then on, it would be the one to sort students based on their qualities. The founders left their school in capable hands (the headmaster was unknown, although is suspected to be one of the other teachers at that time).
The exact date of death is unknown, although he seems to have died in luxury. Gryffindor never married and died without leaving direct descendants behind. However, his legacy carried on in place of a direct bloodline.