Helga portion written by: Elipsa

Rowena portion written by: AJFreas

Curled up on a soft brown armchair in front of a flickering fire, Helga hummed softly under her breath. She licked her thumb to turn a page in her book. The pages were well worn, and the spine had been cracked with how much the novel had been handled. The murmurs of the other students lulled her into a calm state of mind. A log snapped, the flames flickering and a burst of heat rolled over her.

"Megan?" A soft voice carried over another's laughter.

Helga looked up from her book, her liquid brown eyes blinking and focusing on the girl in front of her. She swept a hand through her nearly black hair and pushed it away from her face. She smiled warmly. "Leanne! What do you have need of?"

"Oh, it's just... Dylan and I are heading up with Susan and Hannah and were wondering if you were coming to breakfast? You're here and we didn't want you to be alone if you didn't want to be." The girl's hazel eyes drifted towards the other two near the earthy downward slope that would lead to the barrell that would take them out of the common room.

"You are a dear to think of me." Helga placed a finger in her book to hold her page, smiling softly when the other girl scrunched her nose at the odd phrasing. On their first night, the other Hufflepuffs wondered about her use of words, but after explaining that was how she was raised they quickly accepted the verbiage as an idiosyncrasy. "I am simply not hungry at this time. As it is Saturday, I believe I'll enjoy reading just a bit more before I wander away to mingle with others. Please, there's no need to wait for me. However, if you are amiable later, perhaps we can eat with each other for lunch?"

"Sure! We'll meet back here beforehand and head up together so we don't miss each other."

Helga nodded and waved the three out of the common room.

Cracking her book back open, she continued onwards on her tale. Her eyes skimmed the pages quickly and the end of the chapter came too soon. A soft sigh escaped her lips and she gently shut her book.

Weaving her wand around for a few privacy charms in case of a lone student returning, Helga then called out, "Tinki." A popping sound came from in front of her and a withered, stooped form appeared before her. A bowed head greeted her first and Helga smiled. "Tinki, I have assured you already you have no need to bow to me. I wish us friends."

Tinki's head popped up, and a frown barely pulled the old house elf's lips down. "Mistress Helgy, my duty is to you. I is to serve you. Not to... friend you."

Uncurling herself from her seat, Helga slid to the floor to kneel in front of the house elf, and the diminutive creature's eyes widened.

"No, Mistress Helgy! You is to not kneel!" Before Tinki could fall to her own, more boney, knees, Helga quickly stood.

"Oh, Tinki." Helga smiled at her house elf as she took her seat once more to stop the elf from wringing her hands. "My dear, I know we have only had odd moments here and there to speak. If you have the time, I had hoped that you would be able to answer a few questions for me."

Tinki clasped her hands in front of her and nodded. "I shalls try."

"Thank you." Carefully folding her legs under her once more, Helga situated her robes around her precisely before she smiled at her house elf. "How is your family, Tinki? Do you have little ones?"

Tinki's eyebrows furrowed, before she nodded slowly. "Tinki is having two not so little ones, and oldest has a little one of his own." Here the elf smiled, the little lilt on the left side of her lips giving her away. "Tiny one is Trixi. Son is Brinti, daughter Loxi. Son's partner is Tabba."

Helga nodded, happy to hear that her house elves have kept the tradition of keeping an i at the end of all their names. "I do hope I get to see them soon. Especially little Trixi. She must be such a darling."

"Oh no, Mistress Helgy!" The elf quickly shook her head. "They must be finished training. You knows! You knows! It has been and always been this way." Tinki frowned. "Maybe Brinti. He is teaching Tabba, she is..." Here Tinki huffed, "not proper yets. Soon. She learn quick." Here Tinki looked up and smiled, a full one for the first time. "All wants to see you, Mistress!"

"And I them. Mayhap this once I may see them and afterwards I shall wait for their training to complete?"

Tinki stamped her little foot, wagging a long, gnarled finger at Helga. "Mistress' Father taught ancestors in beginning proper respect. We respects tradition."

"As you wish, Tinki." Helga gazed into the fire, remembering the imposing man. Large framed, curly blonde hair, smiling eyes and a heart full of warmth that he had never denied her.

"Mistress Helgy other questions?"

Swiping under her eye, Helga glanced back at the elf who now stared off to the side. "I wish to speak with Samuel, is there anything to fret in the headmaster's tower?"

"Tinki is not knowing Sam..." She paused, shook her head and continued on, "but Dumbleydore has phoenix friend. Protective and quiet, the phoenix is."

"Oh! A phoenix! How lovely! I have seen one only once, and that was merely a glimpse when Salazar, Godric, Rowena, and I went up into the mountains. I have so wished to meet one." She stood, smoothing the wrinkles out of her robes.

A snap from Tinki had the robes pristine and falling around her just so.

"I have yet one more request for you. Will you cast the disillusionment charm on me when I am in the Headmaster's hallway?"

"Yes, Tinki can be doing that."

"I thank you, Tinki, for your time and information."

The elf bowed low 'I lives to serve, Mistress Helgy' and then the elf popped away.

Chuckling, Helga deftly undid the charms and reached up to gently stroke an ivy hanging from one of the many copper-bottomed plant holders that dangled from the ceiling. She looked at the portrait that stood above the wooden mantlepiece and had etchings of dancing badgers on the frame, before winking at the woman.

The image of her first form winked back, accompanied by a smile.

Treading softly out of the room and down the sloped passage, she made it to the barrell and gently pressed on it. It shimmered a moment so she could stare out to see that no one was there. She tapped her slim fingers in a particular pattern and the barrell swung open and she once more stood in the passages of Hogwarts.

She breathed deeply, the thrum of ancient magic surrounded her and reminded her immediately of home. She held out her arms and twirled around, a soft laugh escaping her. She looked upwards, and though having all four of them back meant terrible, grievous things were sure to happen, she couldn't help but be thankful.

With a slight skip to her steps, Helga made her way up to the main entrance of the school, the sounds of talking and laughter drifted towards her. She couldn't make out the particular words, but she glanced into the Great Hall at the group of students sitting, eating and enjoying others' company - if they were awake enough for that.

She bypassed the door once she saw Dumbledore - here she lost the smile as she quickly glanced away from the man - sitting at the Head Table.

Making her way up the grand staircase, she waved at a group of Ravenclaws going past her towards their breakfast. A few nodded at her, the others gave her odd looks before continuing on. Unbothered, she continued her trek onwards and soon found herself going up the moving staircases. A whispered, "Godric, you silly, silly man," went unheard and she continued to the second floor. She didn't pass any other students and she soon faced the gargoyle. "Now Tinki," she whispered. She felt the elf's magic washing over her to hide her from view once she began ascending.

She reached forward and stroked her fingers along the marble feathers and whispered, "Hello, dear friend. I thank you for your service in protecting the headmasters of our beloved home." She leaned forward, resting her forehead on the statue. "I hope all have been worthy that have called the rooms you protect home."

A rumble rushed through the ground at her words and she smiled at the non answer - it could have been in agreement or disagreement and she expected she would never know the truth. Yet she could hope; for without that what would anyone be or become?

The gargoyle bowed its head, she could feel the movement in the being's body and the stone base she stood on shook before letting her up. She straightened and stood still as she was allowed access to the office.

An oak door stood before her. As she reached forward, Hogwarts opened the door for her and she stepped through into the... oddly decorated room. Spindly tables with a multitude of gadgets on each one that Helga had never seen before. She smiled, her thoughts going to her friends and their reactions to such items:. Ro would be fascinated and would try to study each one for hours; Sal would only be interested in what each could do and would try to keep the ones he liked; Ric would simply play with them if he got the chance - which, to be perfectly fair, he would have gotten to a few before the others would have noticed. Paintings hung all around the room, each holding a dozing portrait of a headmaster. Directly in front of her stood a desk with stairs curving upwards on either side leading to the large, private rooms hidden away.

She pressed her palm firmly against the wall and sent her magic into the room, searching for the wards and protections. It was difficult, casting without a wand, but this was their school and their wards and as such, should obey her need. And Hogwarts did: the wards rose up, froze the portraits, kept out prying ears and eyes, and shielded her presence.

Helga opened her eyes and stumbled, leaning heavily against the wall and blinked away the dark dots dancing in front of her vision that came from the strain of wandless magic. She let herself close her eyes again, and as she waited, she envisioned the room as it had once been.

A large table placed in the very center of the room where the four of them would sit - Helga herself with her back to the pine door, Ro on her left and Ric to her right, with Sal in front, his ever diligent eyes protecting them all. Shelves upon shelves of books sprawled along all four walls where there was space. Paper constantly strewn about on the table, filled with letters, notices and all sorts of other missives. The glass doors that led to the balconies always stood open so they could look upon their home and students, the scent of earth and air mingling together.

A trill, high and happy, had Helga opening her eyes moments before a red blur flew straight at her and landed on her shoulder, a feathered head butting her cheek and smearing the tears that had streamed from her eyes.

Helga's breath left her at the magnificent creature that sat upon her shoulder, singing and trilling, it's long neck curved low so he could reach her.

"Oh... my..."

Her shaking hands reached up and stroked the red feathers.

"You are a beauty," she whispered, eyes wide in awe at the creature. The bright, fiery color of his plumage was brilliant to look at, and his tail feathers a pure golden color that matched his talons that were careful to not pierce her.

He cooed one last time, collecting the last of her tears on the blue feathers that surrounded the area around his black eyes. He took off, circled around her, and landed on his perch behind the desk.

She smiled at the creature before looking around and finding Samuel.

Going to him, she used a single finger to stroke the ratted hat until the brim broke into a smile.

Picking him up, Helga daintily placed him on her head. 'Greetings again, old friend.'

'Hello, my dear Countess Hufflepuff. How has this year been treating you?'

A giggle escaped her. 'Just fine. The others are much the same. Salazar being his usual self, Rowena taking to her books when left alone for too long, and Godric,' here she sighed, 'Godric, of course, finds himself in the very thick of things.'

'Are you truly surprised?'

'Nay.' The woman chuckled. 'It's just... When Godric got into trouble, Salazar was with him. Now, he only has children to guard him.'

'Now child, you also got into mischief as younglings yourself. One moment in time is quite particular in my mind.'

'I understand you, old man.'

'Ah, but that wasn't Sir Gryffindor's idea, now was it?'

A hot flush spread down her neck, though the color could hardly be seen on her dark olive skin. 'No, I dare say it was not his idea.'

'Nor Duke Slytherin.'

'Twas me.' She jutted her chin up. 'I thought to give Salazar a gift. We were twelve. I did not succeed until years later.' Her voice trailed off, sad and bittersweet. 'Salazar had died before I could...' She sighed. 'But I understand your meaning. Godric is hardly the only one to start trouble.'

'Good of you to understand. Now, you haven't much time before the Headmaster arrives. Anything I can do for you?'

'I know we all spoke briefly to you when we were sorted, and you do not know why we were all brought back, but a troll came into our school. Samuel, do you know anything about that?'

'Ah. I can only tell you what I hear. I do not know truth or deceit.'

'Anything will help us. We are blind, right now.'

'Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall all suspect Quirrell, but have no proof.'

Helga perked up. 'Snape is in a position to have these discussions with Dumbledore? The headmaster trusts him that much?'

'Yes, quite an actor, that man. And he needed to be, to survive.'

'What do you mean?' When Samuel remained quiet, Helga asked softly, 'Samuel, are you alright?'

'Yes, my dear. I am old and I am used to resting for long periods of time. I just wish to make sure I tell you these happenings correctly, for they are of no light matter. There was a Dark Lord, about... I do not recall the correct number of years. Voldemort, if I am remembering the name. Snape once bowed to this man before becoming a spy for Dumbledore until the Dark Lord's death. I don't know the cause of his demise, as I either slept through the conversation or it was held outside this room.'

'Do you know why Snape switched sides?'

'Oh yes, quite the sad story.' Samuel's voice quietened, tapering for a moment before continuing. 'I will not tell you everything, but he came to the headmaster and the headmaster has given him shelter ever since. Here is the wording of the prophecy that Snape brought to Dumbledore that day: 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...'

'I will not say why Snape chose to switch sides, only that he had a valid reason he holds onto even now. I will say that the prophecy is centered around Harry Potter and the Dark Lord. I do not know if it was completed or not, but if you four are here, I would say it was unlikely.'

'Do you believe that Voldemort threatens our school?'

'I'm unsure. Hogwarts perhaps took the prophecy as an omen and reacted before anything befell the students here, and acting quickly assured that you four would be here at the same time as Harry Potter.'

She reached up and petted the rough edge of the hat. 'You said that they suspect Quirrell? Why him?'

'Wrong places, wrong times, too many times to count. Claiming the troll was in the dungeon when it wasn't near there. Trying to get past, or even trying to gain knowledge of the traps protecting the stone. Snape and McGonagall both claim that the man has tried in passing to get knowledge of their own traps but has been thwarted by them both.'

'The stone?'

'I do not know exactly; they just call it stone. McGonagall was quite... upset about it being placed here.'

'Thank you, Samuel. How do you know so much? Are they not careful with what they speak around you, as you are no mere hat?'

'You are welcome, my dear. And you will find that as time passes, knowledge becomes warped. I am no longer known as Samuel Harrison, but merely the Sorting Hat. Only here to sort the children and sing the opening song at the feast. Though I have to admit I started that as a joke and find myself unable to stop as the years come as it's the only time I can impart my knowledge anymore.

'I do wish to apologize that I do not know more. I find myself sleeping more often than not and will only wake to being called or loud discussions.' His voice, as they had been speaking, became softer, thicker.

'It is fine, Samuel. Rest. I will visit again.'

'I look forward to that time. I find myself growing more tired as the years pass.'

Gently pulling the hat off, she placed him back on his pedestal. She stroked the patched material, wondering if anyone messed with the enchantments around him. She would have to speak to Rowena or bring her with her next time to make sure that any added spells hadn't hurt Samuel.

Helga glanced once more at the phoenix and curtsied. "An honor to meet such a loyal being as you." She looked around the office before calling Tinki to her once more, and the two left with only Fawkes and Samuel the wiser of her presence.

- - - - Bonus Scene - Rowena - - - -

The castle still felt like home, still had the loving welcome feeling even if it had more than doubled in size. Rowena walked along the corridor, sliding her fingertips along the stone wall, sensing the wards flickering beneath her touch.

The hour was growing late, and her steps quickened as she traveled down the marble staircase. Rowena didn't want to be caught by a prefect, but she desperately wanted to see what had become of their staff library and laboratory.

Once in the Entrance Hall, Rowena slipped into the empty chamber and looked around in confusion. This was certainly the room Professor McGonagall had ushered them into on their first evening at the school. She recognized it from their first night. But it was wrong. All wrong. This should have been their staff room, the same room that led to the staff library and staff laboratory. There should be a table with chairs, windows with plants and a fireplace burning brightly. While the castle had expanded, that could explain the missing windows... But this room, this room was small, cold and bare.

Rowena's magic was young and mostly untested. Having her full memories returned to her only that past February, Rowena was still regaining her skills. Still, Rowena held out her hand and breathed slowly. "Aotrom." The small ball of light was enough to illuminate the small chamber further. Rowena sank to the floor in disappointment.

Was it moved? Was it destroyed? All of their work, gone? Her hand closed, the light was snuffed out and she sat on the bare stone floor in the dim, empty room and cried a few silent tears for all that was lost.

- - - - End Bonus Scene - Rowena - - - -

Yuletide was fast approaching and Helga still hadn't told the others what Samuel had spoken of. For the moment, the school was calm - as calm as Hogwarts could be - and she had wanted to look at Quirrell and his actions herself before the others - Godric - jumped to conclusions and made rash decisions.

Besides, the four of them were staying at Hogwarts over the break, they would speak then.

She glanced over at the Gryffindor table where Godric, Hermione, Ron and Harry had their heads buried together. She bit her lip as Ron and Harry began gesturing towards the High Table. Honestly, did those two boys think they were subtle ?

Knowing she would be in the dark for a little while longer, Helga stood up after making her excuses and left. She glanced over at Quirrell who was staring determinedly at his plate and ignoring Sinistra.

Frowning, she left.

As she exited into the hall, a blonde boy's shoulder slammed into hers. She kept her feet under her, though barely, and stared at the Slytherin before her.

"Watch where you're going, Hufflepuff oaf!"

Straightening her robes, she asked, "I beg your pardon?"

"No, I will not."

Helga blinked. "Are you not well versed in the English language, or simple inflection? I was not asking to be pardoned." The boy continued to glare at her and when she received no answer she continued, "I, of course, was confused when you called me an oaf when it was you who ran into me."

When he made no sound - perhaps the boy was shocked? - Helga continued on her way.

"Are you inept? You're the one who had run into me !"

By that point, Helga had her hand on the door which would take her to the corridor leading to the kitchens. She turned around, a small smile in place, "I see. How foolish I am to think that a boy pushing past me was at fault." She touched her fingers briefly to her temple. "Silly me."

"Is that all you have to say? Do you know who I am?"

"You have not introduced yourself, so I am uncertain who you are."

The boy straightened his posture, throwing his shoulders back. "Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. And you would best remember not to mess with me."

"Ah, yes. I have heard of you." Helga glided forward, hands clasped in front of her. "Sal has mentioned you. Quite a bit, really." She giggled, pressing a finger into the boy's chest. "Remember my name, Draco Malfoy. It's Megan Jones, half-blood and Hufflepuff." She backed up a step, and her eyes narrowed. "I do not take kindly to bullies."

She left the speechless boy behind. Though she didn't head towards her Common Room. The boy had given her an idea, and instead she started her hunt.

After all, she had noticed some of the professors had been pranked throughout the year: Professor McGonagall's drink of choice changed to milk, the poor woman spewing it out as she yelled at the culprits; and two little birds had followed Professor Flitwick around, repeating whatever the professor said in varying different ways in very distinct voices. And it seemed like the stuttering, nervous professor had been left out.

And really, that just wasn't fair.

She grinned. She had twins to find.

AN-Ajellah: Introducing the Bonus Scene, previously dubbed the Unseen Scene.
As we were writing the story, a scene popped into Elipsa's head and Godric insisted she write it. The Unseen Scene was born. We put it in a folder and that was that… only it wasn't because Salazar refused to leave it alone. Unseen Scene number two. Then I wrote Rowena's chapter which made a reference to these incidents. Well, if we left that way all y'all were going to be very confused if you didn't get to read those Unseen Scenes. Gah. These events were never meant to be a part of the story… but they made their way into the story anyhow.
Solution? The Bonus Scenes!
We went back to first year and peppered them into chapters because, why the heck not? Some are funny, some are not, others are just silly filler just because… Yet they all have a purpose somehow.

Google Translate Time:
Aotrom = Light