A gust of dirt followed in the wake of the two boys and their steeds. Salazar sped ahead, jumping over the small stream and vaulted into the forest. Godric followed not far behind and cursed, urging his horse to move faster. It was true that Salazar had the head start but Godric had the larger and faster horse. Soon Salazar was back within his sight and he spurred his horse on again attempting to catch up. A huge grin was stretched across Godric's face as he had managed to be only a few feet away from Salazar. The snowy haired boy looked around and cursed, his eyes narrowing at Godric. With one last smirk Salazar urged his own horse forward, taking a bigger lead again, and Godric did the same. They leapt through the trees almost simultaneously and crossed the deserted road to the sparser part of the forest on the other side. Godric pushed his horse faster and they became neck and neck in the race. Upon noticing them Salazar cursed again which made Godric laugh, "Not giving up I hope?" Godric called to his friend.

"Not even close," Salazar snarled and urged his horse on again though he didn't get much further ahead.

The edge of the trees was looming closer and Godric could smell his victory already, he was used to winning. This time, Salazar vowed, Godric would not defeat him. Spying a diversion that may give him an edge at last, a wicked smile crept upon his lips and he diverted his course knowing that Godric would follow suit. Just as they crept around the large tree Godric found his way blocked by a huge fallen tree trunk, which Salazar's horse was able to jump easily. Godric cursed again and took the long way round, losing his newfound edge. As Salazar reached the edge of the trees he found himself in a huge field with sheep dotted all over the place. The village was now in sight along with the castle and he road harder than ever straight for the postern gate which he knew would be open awaiting his return. His horse thundered past the many roaming sheep, which ran from the sight of them, and through the edge of the village. Just as he passed the last house he heard a cry of indignation come from behind him. Salazar stole a look behind him and saw Godric just reaching the village, he had no hope of winning now. He looked forwards again and tugged on the reigns of his horse hard causing him to rear backwards.

A cart carrying silks and furs had appeared in front of him unexpectedly and in that moment he had lost his advantage. Godric had almost reached him again now and Salazar roared in frustration. He whirled around the cart, sitting forwards in his saddle, and raced with all the speed he had. It wasn't long before Godric was on Salazar's tail again though the postern gate was now within their sights. Both of the boys road straight for it, Godric gaining speed with each stride. The thundering sound of their horse's hooves could be heard within the courtyard before they'd even reached the gate itself. They were only a hundred yards away now and the race was getting intense. Salazar dug his heels in to his horse as hard as was comfortable but it wasn't enough. Neck and Neck the two of them sped past the outer guards, under the portcullis, and tore into the courtyard. Salazar pulled the reigns of his horse again, grinning in triumph. He looked towards his friend and saw Godric leap from his horse, an identical grin on his face.

"I win again," Godric chortled. Salazar's face grew hot with anger as he watched a groom come and take the reins from Godric's horse and lead it away.

"I think you'll find that I won, my good friend," he replied with a cold smile on his face.

"You must be blind," argued Godric, "I was clearly a nose ahead of you." Salazar snorted as he dismounted from his own horse and handed the reins to a waiting groom. His manservant approached him at that moment and Salazar slowly removed his riding cloak and handed it to him with a slight warning.

"Cheat," Salazar murmured, "You know it was I who was the nose ahead of you, Godric."

"Rematch? If you won this time I'm sure that you could do it again," Godric challenged.

Just as Salazar was about to make his retort he was interrupted by a chilling voice calling his name from above. Looking up he saw his father descending the stone stares. The servants all swept into deep bows and hurried out of his father's way, shaking with fear. Salazar felt Godric stiffen beside him, there wasn't much that his friend was afraid of but Eamon Slytherin was one of them. Eamon Slytherin was a tall, lean man with a hard face and strong jawline. His hair was such a deep brown that it almost looked black and his piercing grey eyes were the only asset apart from his height that Salazar had inherited. At that moment his father's face was a blank mask, absent of any emotion. Only somebody who knew him as well as Salazar did would notice the silent fury that clouded the back of his eyes. Unfortunately in that instant it was directed at him. Godric back away as the Lord of the castle walked towards the two of them and darted into the stables out of sight. Salazar sighed and waited for his father's fury to unleash. Upon reaching Salazar, Eamon gave him one last cool look before speaking again.

"You're late," Eamon muttered, his cold eyes never leaving Salazar's.

"Yes," Salazar admitted ruefully.

"Are you a complete useless waste of space, Salazar? Or just a fool?" his father hissed at him.

"No," replied Salazar stonily.

"Then don't act like one. Did I not tell you precisely when our honoured guests were arriving?" asked Eamon, smiling his dangerous smile.

"You did, Lord Father," said Salazar slowly. His father had placed his hand on Salazar's right shoulder, gripping it tightly.

"Then why exactly weren't you there to greet them?" Eamon dug his fingers hard into Salazar's shoulder rather painfully.

"I apologise profusely, Lord Father. I did not expect them to arrive until late afternoon," answered Salazar stiffly. His father's eyes narrowed though he released his son's shoulder from his hard grip.

"Your apology is accepted but do not let it happen again," his father snapped. "Go and clean yourself up, and you Godric. Don't think I can't see you there." Salazar glanced to his left and saw Godric stood upright by the stable door who muttered his apologies though his father barely deigned to notice, "Then you will go and present yourselves to our honoured guests and act as a host should," Eamon continued his voice rising, "I expect to see you at the feast dressed to your best and you shall both be escorting them in to dine."

Without another word Lord Eamon turned and marched back into the castle leaving Salazar and Godric to follow suit. As soon as his Lord Father was out of sight Godric grinned at Salazar and shrugged his shoulders. Salazar rolled his eyes and grinned when Godric pushed him playfully and ran up the stairs though Salazar managed to push him and the two of them raced up through the castle and to their rooms. Waving goodbye to Godric as he entered his own chamber, Salazar walked down the hall and into his own to find a hot bath awaiting him to his immense pleasure. Slowly removing his clothes with the help of his manservant, Tarben, he lowered himself into the bath and began to wash the grime from his body after the day's ride. Not eager to hurry he took his time dressing, fussing over which clothes to wear settling on a pale green tunic inlaid with golden and silver thread with a cape of deep purple lined with gold and fasted with a fantastic gold broach. Just as he was donning his various rings while Tarben fussed about his hair a loud knock sounded on his door immediately followed by Godric, already fully dressed, walking into his chamber uninvited as per usual. Salazar rolled his eyes again though Godric merely grinned as he leant against the bedframe.

"You seem a bit eager," Salazar smirked. Godric had dressed exceptionally well, he was better dressed than Salazar had ever seen him wearing a tunic coloured black that was inlaid with golden thread and a cape of deep green that was fasted with an ornamental lion pin.

"Perhaps I am," Godric laughed, "I have not met your young lady friend before. I must admit that I am extremely eager." Godric grinned wickedly at him which Salazar returned, "You take longer than any person I have ever known getting ready," he continued to tease and complain, "It's as though you were a woman." Salazar had to laugh at that.

"If I were a woman you would have attempted to bed me by now," replied Salazar, a sly smile directed towards his friend. Godric laughed at that.

"I think you're probably right."

"Of course I am, I'd make a beautiful maiden," Salazar smiled just as he finished putting on his rings. Godric laughed at that and followed him out of the room.

"Judging by what your mother looks like I'd have to agree," said Godric, smiling wickedly, "If only Reanna was older," he continued placing one hand over his heart and gazing longingly into the distance, "No matter I shall just have to wait a few years."

Salazar shoved his friend playfully as they walked down the grand hallway and continued to walk towards the part of the castle where their guests were being housed. Just as they reached the area of the castle that was reserved for guests, the two of them almost ran over both of their mothers, Alfrida Slytherin and Hilda Gryffindor. The two women, accompanied by their handmaidens, were in deep conversation before they were rudely interrupted by the two of their sons. Alfrida gave Salazar a stern look though he knew that she did not truly mean it. Hilda merely laughed at her son's folly, she often laughed.

"Pray tell, where are you two running off to in such haste?" Alfrida asked softly.

"Father commanded us to greet our guests, Lady Mother," Salazar responded.

"And so you should," Alfrida nodded and squeezed Salazar's hand tightly in a comforting gesture. She then touched Godric's arm lightly as she passed and Hilda stroked both of their faces before following after Alfrida. The two boys shared a look and turned the corner, facing the door his guests were concealed behind. As they were announced the doors swung open and the two boys walked in to an almost foreign sight. Salazar's eyes searched for the girl he had known since childhood but he could not place her. Not until one of her lady's announced the two of them and she looked up and met his gaze. For a moment Salazar was taken aback as he remembered the last time he had seen her. Composing himself he walked forward to greet his old acquaintance, Rowena Ravenclaw.