~ooO Supportive : Fat Lady Ooo~
The portraits were talking. Every single one of them knew what had happened last night in the long forgotten Founder's Wing. A Gryffindor alumna had sealed her marriage bond to her Fates-match, a Hogwarts Founder. What truly astounded the portraits was that the alumna in question was Muggleborn Hermione Granger and the Founder was Salazar Slytherin. Discussion and counter-arguments were fast and heated. Had Salazar Slytherin somehow tricked the Fates? Was he pretending a change of heart in order to win Hermione Granger's trust? Was he going to turn on her in the future?
The Fat Lady could not bear to listen to such prattle any longer!
"Hush now!" she scolded the portraits congregated in the corridor of landscape paintings. "You cannot lie to the Fates. If he was resurrected he is her match. And if she is willing it is her choice."
"But he's Salazar Slytherin!" Sir Cadogan shuddered, quacking in his armoured boots.
"None of us have personal knowledge of the Founders," the Fat Lady pointed out. "All of us were painted at least two centuries after the Founders died. We heard stories but we all know how stories can change over time." There was a soft murmur of assent. Feeling confident the portrait continued. "Besides, Hermione is a sweet polite child. She was so lonely when she was younger you know, determined to do the right not the easy thing, even when it made her very unpopular with her Housemates."
"Like when she told Professor McGonagall that someone had sent Harry Potter a broom," a little shepherd boy chimed.
"Yes," the Fat Lady said nodding sagely. "And when everyone thought Harry Potter had cheated to enter the Triwizard Tournament, she was the only one who helped the poor boy! And even his own House turned against him!"
Many expressions turned sheepish and ashamed. The Fat Lady waited for a moment before continuing.
"Hermione Granger will never take the easy path if she knows it is the wrong path. Just like now. For some reason she believes in Salazar Slytherin, and she is willing to bond with him. We must have faith and support her, however we can. Besides he is a Founder and we owe allegiance to them."
This time the discussion was calmer and more thoughtful. The Fat Lady was pleased. She liked a bit of gossip as any other painting but some gossip hurt. Hermione Granger did not deserve to be hurt for following her beliefs.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~