3rd year: Keeping Helga

"Davis residence," Salazar said automatically. He rarely spoke on the telephone, but that had changed since he'd started attending Hogwarts. Rowena called once a month to check in. Helga called twice a month, or when she had an update on Harry's case that she wanted to share. Godric… well, Godric called often… daily… sometimes twice a day.

"Hi Tracey, it's Hermione," came the voice on the other end.

The voice was cheerful, excited, and Salazar had to resist the urge to hang up and shudder. Instead, Salazar took a steadying breath and responded as pleasantly as possible, "Hello, Hermione."

"I spoke with my parents, regarding the visit… that's still on, right? I mean, you haven't changed your mind, have you?" Hermione rushed her words out and Salazar clenched a fist waiting for a break in her rambling in order to answer the girl. Only Hermione spoke nonstop for three minutes before she finally realized that Salazar hadn't responded. "Tracey? Are… are you still there?"

Salazar smirked at that. The thought of letting Hermione believe he had hung up was very tempting, but it wouldn't resolve anything and, knowing Hermione, she'd just hang up and call again, forcing Salazar to suffer through that tirade again. Mind made up, Salazar spoke, "Yes, Hermione. I was simply waiting for you to breathe so I could respond."

"Oh." Salazar could practically hear Hermione blushing through the telephone. "Sorry…"

Chuckling softly, Salazar relaxed. "It's okay. And yes, the visit is still an option if you two have decided which of the dates presented to you is doable."

"That's why it took so long to get back to you." Hermione sighed. "His aunt is difficult. Still, we managed. We can be there from the third through the tenth. My parents will pick Harry up and we'll drive to your house. They're looking forward to meeting your parents." She paused for a moment then asked, "That won't be a problem… will it?"

"Of course not," Salazar responded. "Why would it be? It's perfectly understandable. Any parent… any decent parent would want to meet the family that will be seeing after their child's welfare. It's also why we requested early notification so my mother can be here. Her schedule can be hectic."

"Oh, I hope she can be there. I have so many questions-"

Salazar laughed, unintentionally cutting off Hermione's comment. "Naturally, you do. Mother's aware that you'll have questions. I warned her that you're as inquisitive as Ro. She's prepared… or at least, she believes she is."

Hermione huffed. "Nice…"

Salazar grinned at the exasperation in Hermione's voice and thought of Godric. His smile slipped and he bit back a sigh. He would have preferred his friends staying during the trial period rather than Harry's, but Helga was right to suggest Hermione. At least it wasn't Ronald 'I-Hate-Everything-Slytherin' Weasley.

That Weasley boy was one of the reasons Salazar regretted that the houses were named after the 'Founders'. While the four of them were instrumental for starting the school, and yes the land was his, they weren't the only ones to start the school. There were other staff members, there were the students, there were all of the families… including Helga's family, Rowena's family, Salazar's family, and Godric.

Hermione was rambling on again and Salazar had to bring his focus back on track. Finally, he had to interrupt or risk being on the telephone for hours. "We can discuss this when you're here, Hermione."

"I… oh." Hermione giggled. "Right. See you then."

- - - - Founders - - - -

It was Saturday morning, eleven AM sharp, and the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Salazar said and rose to answer the door. Salazar was taken aback by the amount of luggage behind the group standing there just beyond the doormat. Placing one hand behind his back, Salazar stepped backwards, opening the door wider. His manners instantly kicked in. He gave a small bow of his head and introduced himself, "Doctors Granger, we've been expecting you. I'm Tracey Davis. It is a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for agreeing to bring Hermione and Harry to stay with us for a week. Please, come in. My parents are in the sitting room."

The four visitors entered the foyer, the parents stepped in first, followed by the two Gryffindors. Hermione's mother looked around and commented, "You have a lovely home."

"Thank you," Salazar said in an auto-response as he closed the door. "Leave the bags, we'll get them later. If you'll follow me, please." He led the way to the sitting room just down the hall. As he gestured into the room, Salazar saw his parents stand up to receive their guests.

Hermione was grinning widely the entire time. Harry fidgeted. Salazar refrained from commenting about the boy bringing his school trunk, cage, and owl with him. Perhaps he intended to stay longer than the week, or maybe he was going to visit elsewhere… or perhaps Harry was simply moving in… the possibilities were endless and Salazar pushed the thought aside to do the introductions.

As Salazar walked into the room, he began speaking, "Mum, Dad, may I introduce the Doctors Granger, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter." Salazar stood beside his parents and gestured to the couple, "Doctors Granger, Hermione, Harry, these are my parents, Serena and Heath Davis."

Heath mussed Salazar's hair and chuckled, "Just call us Serena and Heath. This one here is always so formal."

"Daaaaaaaad," Salazar fussed with his hair and gave the man an exasperated look. "I'm not five anymore. We've had this discussion."

"Honey, we talked about this. You do not muss a girl's hair… ever…" Serena chastised lightly.

While Salazar was horribly embarrassed, the effect that small interaction had on Harry was instantly obvious. The boy relaxed and actually had a small grin on his face, even if his hands were still shoved into his trouser pockets. Hermione's father held out his hand and smiled. "I'm Ian, my wife, Michelle."

Following Ian's example, Michelle, Hermione then Harry shook their hands. Serena gestured to the door and instructed, "Tracey, help them with their belongings. I'm sure they'd like to get settled in before lunch." She turned to the Grangers. "You will stay for lunch, won't you? It will be our pleasure to have you."

Salazar didn't listen to the rest of their conversation as he led the two children back to the foyer, then turned to Harry. "I'll grab one end of your trunk, you grab the other side and your owl's cage. It will make lugging it upstairs easier."

Harry just nodded, having yet to speak to Salazar since their arrival. Hermione waited until they were on their way upstairs before she let out a small squeal. "I can't believe we're finally here." Harry just chuckled softly, shook his head, and smiled at his friend. Hermione hoisted her overnight bag and adjusted her school bag onto her shoulder as they continued up the staircase. "It's just that you live in a real magical village."

"Half, actually," Salazar corrected, "There are both magical and non-magic families in Amesbury. There's only ever been one completely magical village in all of Britain."

"Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked and Salazar graced her with a small nod. "I've heard of it. We get to go visit it this year on specific weekends." Hermione gushed on, "I can't wait to see just how different a full magical village is compared to a muggle town."

They made it to the first door. It was the converted guest room. "This is your room, Harry." Salazar opened the door. "It was the guest room. Mum and I cleaned it, top to bottom." Salazar kept walking into the room, pulling Harry in behind him since the boy was holding the back handle of his school trunk. "Don't be too impressed by that statement. It wasn't even dirty, but we made it sound like so much work when we told Dad. Dad pitched in; he picked out the new coverlet. Said you needed - at minimum - a touch of masculinity in here."

Salazar set down his end of the trunk at the foot of the full-sized bed. Along with the bed there was a wardrobe, desk and chair, and an ensuite. He at last looked at the Gryffindor boy and noted how gobsmacked he was. Harry looked around at what was now his bedroom if he so wished. The room was mostly neutral colors. It was cozy and inviting. He stared at Salazar with wide eyes that were filled with unshed tears. He swallowed before trying to speak, "This… is all for me?"

Despite himself, Salazar melted at the fear and hope in the boy's eyes. Salazar gave him a small nod and told him, "Yes. Mum and Dad have already decided that, even if you don't choose to stay with us permanently and just visit from time to time, this is yours. You're family, Harry. That doesn't change, no matter where you reside." He forced himself to look away, so he didn't cry with the boy or embarrass Harry further and waved a hand around. "You even get to decorate…" A thought came to Salazar, stopping him in his tracks, "Oh…"

"What?" Harry asked as he looked around the room to see what was bothering Salazar.

"You like quidditch…" Salazar groaned.

"Sure," Harry looked confused, Hermione giggled from the doorway.

Salazar looked aghast when he exclaimed, "You're going to fill this room with posters and paraphernalia… yuck."

Harry laughed and admitted, "I haven't picked a favorite team yet…"

Mission accomplished. Salazar had managed to get the boy to lighten up and relax. Salazar lowered his voice conspiratorially and warned, "Don't let Dad hear you. He'll try to pick a team for you."

"It's not the Chudley Cannons is it?" Hermione wrinkled her nose and finally stepped into the bedroom. "That's Ron's favorite team and their uniforms are a ghastly orange."

"I know little to nothing about the sport, but I don't recall their colors being orange." Salazar tapped a finger to his lips as he squinted in thought. "Mon… something. Sorry, I haven't a clue."

"Montrose Magpies," Harry said without hesitation.

Salazar shrugged. "Sure..." He meant for it to sound convincing, but it sounded more like a question. Salazar finally got a good look at Harry's owl and his eyes lit up. "Gorgeous."

"This is Hedwig," Harry said and raised the cage so Salazar could get a better look at her.

"Does she like being in the cage?" Salazar asked as he gently touched the latch. Hedwig turned to stare at the new person in her life, but didn't snap at him. That was encouraging.

"Not really, no…"

"Then you should let her out," Salazar said as he moved his hands away from the cage to make the snowy owl feel more comfortable.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked while looking towards the door of his new bedroom. "I don't want to make them angry."

Salazar frowned in confusion and Hermione reached forward to let the owl out of the cage. She then reminded her friend, "These are not the Dursleys. This family is probably accustomed to owls."

The confusion cleared and Salazar clicked his teeth. The sound caught the attention of the two students, but Hedwig was looking out the door. Salazar held out his arm and an Eurasian sparrowhawk landed with a flap of his wings. "This is Archimedes."

"He's handsome," Hermione commented.

Archimedes clacked his bill together. Hedwig tilted her head as if listening for something. She ruffled her feathers, then preened. The three humans watched the owls and without a word from anyone the pair flew off.

The children exchanged surprised expressions as Salazar huffed in amusement. "That was unexpected. I simply wanted to introduce you to him and ease your mind about allowing her some freedom here."

Hermione looked out the bedroom door. "I imagine she's feeling quite welcome."

- - - - Founders - - - -

Lunch with the Grangers went well. The adults became fast friends. Salazar was always amazed at the ease in which others made friends. People that he'd consider allies or perhaps acquaintances, others would refer to as friends. Salazar had exactly three friends, the fact that these three friends were from his past life was neither here nor there.

Serena had the entire weekend off work but, like all healers on staff at St Mungo's, she was on call for emergencies. Thankfully the woman had learned patience when dealing with her patients, so she was able to handle the bombardment coming from Hermione… that didn't end… not even on her last night with the Davis family.

Hermione was off badgering Serena. Heath was washing up after dinner since it was his turn. Harry and Salazar were sitting in the study reading. Harry kept looking around him every few minutes, but didn't speak. Salazar allowed him his private thoughts, figuring the boy would speak if he chose to. Which he did a few minutes later, "This is really how you live?" Salazar looked at him questioningly and Harry clarified, "You do chores, but not all day… you read, you watch the telly if you want…"

"I also draw; charcoal drawings mostly." Salazar admitted, "I'm not great, but I do enjoy it from time to time."

Salazar suddenly scowled. Harry asked, "What?"

"Nothing," Salazar sighed, "I find I've told you much more about myself than I have to anyone in my house. And I've known them for two years."

"And they're Slytherin, where I'm not." Harry looked thoughtful for a moment, "Maybe because you already see me as family… and, like I said, I'm not a Slytherin. They…" Harry looked pensive before charging ahead and saying what was on his mind, "well, they're kind of mean."

"They're…" Salazar frowned, then huffed, "Right, no Gryffindor could possibly be cruel." Salazar closed his eyes and tried desperately to reign in his emotions. He refused to cry in front of this boy. His eyes snapped open when he felt he could speak again, "Thank you." Salazar said as he stood up, "Thank you for reminding me who I was speaking to. I managed to forget you were one of the boys that hated me purely for the color of my tie." Salazar swiped at his face and bit out, "I will be going to my room now."

"I'm sorry," Harry blurted out before Salazar could leave the room. Salazar stilled in the doorway but didn't turn around. Salazar could hear the boy shuffling around behind him. His voice was low and closer when he spoke again, "Ron has a way of getting in my head. He was my first friend… ever. He said all Slytherins are bad… then I met Malfoy." Salazar huffed in resigned amusement, because of course that would be the first of his house that the boy met. Harry had moved closer, leaned against the wall. Salazar could see him in his peripheral vision; Harry was staring at the floor and not at him. "I don't always agree with Ron. But Malfoy…"

"Is an imbecile, and a bully… and the worst example of what a true Slytherin is supposed to be." Salazar sighed, "People from my house aren't supposed to be petty, bullies, bigots, racists… that isn't what it means to be Slytherin. My house was to be for the sly and cunning, witty and ambitious, and resourceful… people that use their minds to see the possibilities, not… use people… kill people… hurt them for the sake of hurting them…" Tears were falling unbidden and Salazar shuddered under the weight of his thoughts, "Somewhere… they lost their way… somehow… it was all twisted and it's all wrong now. I don't know how to fix it."

Someone's breath hitched and Salazar's head snapped to the side. Hermione was standing there with her hands over her mouth, tears sliding down her cheeks to match his. Hermione hesitantly stepped forward, but Salazar stepped away, shaking his head. "It's okay that you heard. He would have told you anyway."

"Just like you tell your friends everything," Harry said defensively.

Salazar shook his head, "Only one person knows more about me than anyone in the world… and I don't have to tell him a thing. He always seems to know." Salazar walked away before he could say more incriminating things that the two shouldn't know about him.

- - - - Founders - - - -

"Tracey, it's for you."

Salazar sighed and dragged himself from the kitchen table. It was probably Godric again. Ever since the silly man learned his phone number, he'd call if he was bored. And Godric was bored often. Salazar smiled at his father, "Thanks," before putting the receiver to his ear, "This is Tracey."

"Sal, it's me," Rowena's voice came from the receiver, "Have you read the paper yet this morning?"

"Yes," Salazar frowned, "wait, which one?"

"Daily Prophet," Rowena prompted.

"Ah, then not yet. Dad isn't finished with it." Salazar looked over at his father who had the newspaper spread open on the kitchen table pouring over the sports section… quidditch scores, of course.

"Lockhart is gone."

Salazar jerked in surprise and asked, "I beg your pardon?"

"Lockhart has done a bunk," Rowena said rather smugly.

"He ran?" Salazar said with laughter in his voice. "What did you do?"

"Someone sent irrefutable proof that the man was a charlatan. He couldn't have possibly pulled off all those feats when his timeline kept contradicting itself. Besides, he couldn't even cast a number of the spells he claimed to have done and the majority of them aren't truly spells at all."

"Someone?" Salazar asked, "Someone was kind enough to expose the man for us so we wouldn't have to put up with his farce of a class next year?"

"Yes," Rowena agreed, "someone anonymous."

"That was very kind of them."

"Indeed," Rowena said with satisfaction.

- - - - Founders - - - -

Once Salazar was done with the wash up, he went upstairs. It was nearly time for Hermione's parents to come pick her and Harry up. He walked towards the bedroom door and saw Hermione talking to Harry. The boy had his back to him, but Hermione spotted Salazar immediately, but oddly, she did not warn her friend. "Where will you go, Harry?"

"The Leaky?" Harry was still packing his belongings. Salazar frowned and wondered why the boy would stay at the inn rather than go back to the Dursleys or perhaps to the Weasleys. Harry shrugged. "It won't be for that long. I can get my shopping done while I'm there."

"We won't be back until the week before school starts." Hermione looked so torn as she bit her lip.

Salazar finished walking to the door and made a point of making noise as he did so. When he stood at the door, he knocked on the frame. Harry stiffened before he turned around. He just stared silently at Salazar. Salazar wanted to scream at the boy. They had fallen back to the awkward silent stage after their discussion the night before.

Since he hadn't been invited into the room, Salazar made a point of standing in the doorway and did not enter. Salazar frowned at Harry's school trunk. "Mum and Dad will be disappointed to see you go. Mum was hoping to take you shopping, she thinks your walls are too bare, and Dad will miss having someone to discuss quidditch with."

"And you? You'll be glad to be shot of me," Harry said, but there was no real heat behind his words. They were mostly empty.

"No," Salazar admitted, "not really. I was getting used to the idea of having a younger brother… Even if he is a Gryffindor."

"Younger? We're the same year," Harry looked bemused.

"Your birthday is after the cut off… like mine," Hermione guessed.

"It is," Salazar agreed, then explained, "To attend Hogwarts, you must be aged eleven on September 1st. If your birthday is on September 2nd or afterwards, you wait a full year."

"That's harsh," Harry stated and looked at Hermione. "When is your birthday, anyway?"

"You've known each other for 2 years and you don't know?"

Harry crossed his arms and challenged Salazar, "I bet you don't know all of your friends' birthdays."

"What are the stakes?"

"Erm," Harry hesitated.

"If I win, you have to stay for another week… if you win?"

Harry looked stunned for a moment before he shook his head. "I…" Harry took a breath before he softly said, "You have to accept my apology."

"Deal," Salazar said without hesitation, then recited, "Megan Helga Jones, born December 7th, Lisa Royen Turpin, born February 19th, Fay Richele Dunbar, born August 14th. I win. Never bet unless it's a sure thing you'll win, or - at the very least - you don't mind the stakes if you lose." Salazar pointed at Harry's trunk. "You may as well unpack. You're here for another week." He then turned around as if to leave but looked at Harry saying, "And I accepted your apology when it was first given."

- - - - Founders - - - -

It was nearing the end of another week and Salazar was running out of excuses to keep Harry there at the house. The two would bet on the most asinine things just so Harry could lose and stay another day or two, maybe three. They played chess or gobstones, had a contest in movie or homework trivia, eating contests, belching contests (Heath participated, Salazar refused)… Salazar was tired of trying to come up with something new and was ready to try stone / cloak / wand, if need be.

Salazar walked into the kitchen and frowned. "What are you doing? It's my turn to cook."

Without skipping a beat, Harry flipped the rashers and shrugged. "I couldn't sleep. Got hungry."

"Okay." Instead of complaining, Salazar went about setting the table for the family. Putting a fork down Salazar asked, "Will you stay if I simply ask, or do I have to come up with something else for you to pretend to lose?"

Harry stilled, then deflated with a heavy sigh. "But you hate me."

It was Salazar's turn to still. He turned to look at the boy and frowned. "I don't hate you, Harry." The boy kept fussing at the rashers in the skillet, so Salazar continued, "I really don't. You can frustrate me, but so do my parents and friends… and I love them regardless."

"But-"

"You're family," Salazar reminded him. "Families will annoy each other, but they're still family at the end of the day. You belong here with us… but," Salazar sighed in frustration. He was tired of looking at the boy's hunched back. Always so defensive, that child… Salazar set the frying pan onto another burner and bodily turned Harry to face him. "Listen. Mum and Dad already said that I need to not bug you about staying. I think you should just move in here permanently. Mum and Dad are ready to adopt you, not just be your guardians, they adore you that much, and before you ask, no you'd still be a Potter because we know how important family lines are… but ultimately the decision is up to you." Salazar poked Harry in the center of his chest, right over his heart. "Think on it. Listen to your heart. You could be happy here. Mum and Dad… and I would like you to be a permanent member of this family."

"I…" Harry dropped his gaze, but Salazar could see the small smile on his face. "I'll think about it." The boy turned around again to continue cooking.

Salazar hesitated then reached into his pocket before setting the small package on the counter beside the stove. "Happy birthday, Harry."

- - - - Founders - - - -

No one commented that Harry had been there for a month and a half.

No one commented that Harry's birthday was celebrated like a real family unit: with a cake and gifts. Or that when Harry came back from shopping with Serena for décor for his bedroom, that the boy hugged her tightly before practically skipping up to his bedroom to decorate.

No one commented about what happened after Harry's last belching contest with Heath, that he laughed so hard he cried and continued crying even after he stopped laughing… then still stayed three more days even though he forgot to lose.

No one commented that they'd soon be receiving their letters from Hogwarts, that they'd have to go shopping for their supplies, and go back to school.

No one commented on how the family had grown accustomed to each other and had gotten into a daily routine or that all of that would soon come to an end, and Harry still hadn't told anyone what he had decided.

Serena was at work. It was a secret: dinner was an informal affair and they all watched the telly while they ate. The two youngsters sat on the floor at the coffee table, Heath sat in his favorite chair. Serena hated that infernal machine and refused to watch it… unless there was something very interesting on or it was educational.

Tonight, they were watching Heart Condition on BBC1, starring Bob Hoskins and Denzel Washington. Comedies were the favored sort of film, but it was interrupted again by a news flash regarding another sighting of the notorious escaped convict, Sirius Black.

Heath wrinkled his nose and commented under his breath, 'Not bloody likely. They'd be dead if he'd truly been spotted' but the children heard him anyway.

Harry was staring at the photograph of the sighting shown on screen, it wasn't a very good one and, really, it could have been any brunette with curly hair. Harry glanced at Salazar then back to the screen. "Didn't Helga mention Sirius Black once? From Gryffindor?"

Salazar chewed, swallowed, wiped his mouth then simply said, "Yes."

"You know about him?" Heath asked.

"Not really," Harry corrected. "Just what I've read in the papers, and that Helga mentioned that he was evil and a Gryffindor."

"He was more… much more than just a Gryffindor," Heath said and turned down the sound on the telly. He set down his dinner plate on the coffee table and leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. "Harry, this is going to be difficult to hear and I know you'll have questions. Please hear me out before you start." When Harry simply nodded, Heath mimicked the motion by nodding along. "Right. Serena and I went to school with him. Like you said, he was a Gryffindor. You see, before Sirius every Black had been a blood supremacist and a Slytherin. He chose to be different… to be a Gryff.

"He had three friends, everyone thought they were extremely close. He proved everyone wrong in the end." Heath rubbed at his face before he could speak again. "Those four friends were dubbed the Marauders: Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, and… your father, James Potter." Harry's eyes grew wide and Heath waited, but Harry kept his word and didn't ask questions. Heath nodded and continued, "Everyone said Black and Potter were like brothers. I don't know what happened or why he would do it, but…" Heath looked at the floor and just blurted it out, "He betrayed your parents to him… to You-Know-Who. The night he came for your family, it was because Black told him where you were."

Harry was shaking and gripping his fork tightly. He stared at Heath who slid from his chair and sat on the floor with the children, he put an arm around the back of the couch and looked at Harry. "Serena and I have discussed what to tell you… how to tell you. While we both believe you need to know about your connection to him, neither of us knew how to approach the subject. We weren't even certain how much you already knew."

Salazar eased the bent fork from the boy's hand, causing Harry to jump. Salazar admitted, "I can't imagine what's going through your mind. But I'm here for you if you need to talk."

"There's more," Heath sighed. "The real reason you need to hear about all this." The man waited until Harry was looking at him again before continuing, "Some of your classmates, mostly Slytherins, will probably know about him and his connection to you. Do you know what a Death Eater is?"

"No," Harry managed to choke out.

"Death Eaters were You-Know-Who's followers. They were the ones that would kill and torture in his name."

"When you say it like that, you make him sound like a god." Salazar scoffed, "He wasn't a god. He was a madman."

"Yes, but they did that. They practically worshiped him. It was horrible during the war." Heath said and sighed, "Most of my family were killed… just me and my little sister are left."

"I'm sorry," Harry said in a small voice.

Heath gave him a wane smile. "Me too. You'll like her, she was a Hufflepuff, too."

"She's great," Salazar said with a heartfelt smile.

"Why did they kill your family?"

"I'm a muggleborn. According to them, I'm less than worthless." Heath let out a gust of breath. "We're getting off track. Serena's heard talk around work. The rumors floating around the Ministry is that he broke out to find you, Harry. To kill you for his Master." Heath moved his arm off the couch and wrapped it around Harry's shoulder, pulling the trembling boy into his arms, holding him and giving him what comfort he could. "This changes nothing. We still want you here. You are family. What affects you, affects us… and you should know what's out there, what's trying to come for you… but remember, you're not alone. I will not let that mad man near you."

Harry gave the man that could be his adopted father a small smile. "I know you won't."


AN-Ajellah: I picked the names Ian and Michelle for the Granger parents, because those are the names of the actors that played the parts during the last movie the pair were in. The wiki still only has them listed as Mr. and Mrs.

I picked Serena and Heath for the Davis parents because I liked the names. It has a flow for me… Besides, it's not as if there is any information on the wiki page for Tracey Davis' personal life. It's all about her being in Slytherin and she is in the same year as Harry. That leaves much for me to play with… yay!