She didn't want to wake up. Any other time and Rowena was up with the sun, but the night before... Well, it had been intense and stressful, and there was death and blood, and she had used so much magic, wandless and otherwise, but no... there was too much to do.

Rowena stretched and went about her morning ablutions. She dressed with care, for it may be a Sunday, but she had to still be respectable. Rowena would have liked nothing more than to stay in some comfortable night clothes, curled up with a book in front of a fire. The idea brought a smile to her face, but it didn't last. Today Harry expected his answers and a promise was important to keep. Salazar planned on speaking with him first and calling them in if necessary.

Making her way down the stairs to the Common Room, Rowena wasn't at all surprised to see Luna waiting for her. She smiled at the small blonde and said, "Good morning, Luna. I hope you slept well."

"Hullo, Lisa Turpin..." Her beaming smile dimmed. "They won't believe him at first."

"No," Rowena agreed. "I'm rather certain they won't." They walked together out of the common room door on their way to the Great Hall.

Luna smiled at her friend. "I do."

Rowena chuckled. "I'm glad you do."

They paused to wait for the moving marble staircase and were met by two grinning redheads who greeted in unison, "Good morning."

When the staircase came to a stop, Rowena and Luna joined them on their downward journey. "Good morning," Rowena responded, looking at them curiously. She noted, "You two are rather chipper this morning."

Fred smiled at Rowena and admitted, "I'm sure you heard the news."

"It'll be in the paper," George agreed.

"Front page, no doubt," Fred added.

"Which part? The discovery of Barty Crouch Jr, the rescue of the real Moody, or the return of the Dark One that people refuse to name?" Rowena asked.

"Barty Jr, of course," The two said in unison.

"But that's not why you're happy," Luna countered.

"Right you are, little Claw," George said with a grin.

Fred continued, "Sal pranked Barty Jr. with Malfoy's potion..."

"It was brilliant," George finished.

"And you're certain that was Sal's doing?"

"Of course." George admitted, "Sal wouldn't let us have the recipe. I doubt anyone else could get their hands on it."

"Fair point," Rowena agreed with a small nod.

Luna kept silent during most of the exchange and once they were done speaking she said, "They'll believe you."

"Is that right?" Rowena looked at the boys in question and smiled at Luna. "Thank you. That's good to know."

The twins exchanged a questioning look. Luna nodded happily and skipped along to the Great Hall where the four split up to go to their own tables for breakfast.

Dumbledore stood and waited until those within the room quieted before he spoke, "I realize that some of you will have questions. Much happened last night, but I believe Miss Dunbar should be left alone and not bombarded with your inquisitions. If she feels the need to talk about what happened, she will do so of her own accord."

Rowena huffed softly. "Well now, that is a sure fire way to get people to bug him; the poor dear."

- - - - Bonus Scene - Salazar- - - -

Salazar figured Harry would already be in the room, thinking he'd have the advantage. It was a very Gryffindor thing to do. Reacting to what you think you know, instead of thinking about what you truly knew. A lion was ready to pounce, forgetting that a snake would assess and have the true advantage of being closer to the exit and escape. Although, to be fair to Godric, he wasn't anything like those fools in his house. When Salazar entered at precisely ten, it was to find Harry standing in the center of the room with his wand already in hand. Seeing his adopted brother ready to fight him saddened Salazar more than he'd admit.

"I see," Salazar said dejectedly. "You don't trust me anymore."

"Should I?" Harry asked sharply. "After all, you've been so honest with me so far, Salazar."

Salazar flinched at the level of hostility coming from the boy. While he had heard others spit at his name - figuratively and literally - it had never been done by family before. To feel so much betrayal, anger, and vitriol coming from Harry truly hurt. Salazar's chin rose a fraction and he snarled, "I have never lied to you."

With that statement, Salazar sent a pulse through his ring telling the others he needed more time with Harry. Then Salazar deliberately turned towards the door and sealed the room with a soft touch of his palm to the stone wall.

"What did you just do?" Harry asked suspiciously. The anger in his voice was rising, "Seal the room so you can silence me? I'm not-"

"Don't finish that statement," Salazar warned in a low voice. He turned to look at the boy with narrowed eyes. "While I have not yet killed in this form, I have had to do so in my past life." Harry's stance changed to one more challenging. Salazar smirked and leaned against the wall. "Do you believe you can challenge me, little lion? I may reside in the body of a fifteen-year-old girl, but I'm much stronger than you think." With that said, Salazar sighed audibly. They were getting nowhere bickering like school children. Harry was a child, certainly, but he, Salazar, was not. Hermione moved, as if to flank him. Salazar reached his hand forward, silently summoning the cloak.

"Oi!" Harry hollered. "That's mine!"

Hermione stilled, her eyes widened, and fear was on her face as she stared open mouthed at Salazar. Salazar decided he did not like that look on her. He turned his attention to Harry and told him, "I'm aware. It was gifted to you as a memento of your father. Fear not, I will return it to you before you leave."

"Harry…" The boy didn't respond, so she said his name again, "Harry."

"Yeah?"

"She… He…" Hermione shook her head. "Tracey just summoned that without using her wand…"

"Or an incantation," Salazar added. Harry's wand arm dropped only a fraction; he frowned at Salazar. The look on his face was one of bewilderment, but the thoughts screaming from him were still anything but friendly. Salazar folded the cloak and dropped it on a nearby desk. "I grow tired of your hostility. Ask your questions and be done with it."

Salazar watched the two little lions. Hermione no longer looked frightened and wasn't aiming her wand in his direction. Progress. Harry was still very defensive. Neither of them put away their wands, Godric would approve.

Hermione looked from Harry to Salazar and raised her hand. Salazar couldn't help but grin at the girl. Well, if she was acting like a student, Salazar slipped into his instructor mode. "Yes, Miss Granger?"

The girl blushed, but asked, "How are you here?"

"That's a good question." Salazar walked towards the couch. Harry moved to keep him in his sights, another gesture Godric would approve of. When he sat down, Salazar gestured to the other two to do the same. Harry refused, but Hermione sat on the other side of the couch and Salazar continued, "There are many stories I could recite. If you have ever read Hogwarts, a History, you'd have a basis of what I'd tell you."

"So, the stories in there are true," Harry said triumphantly.

Salazar looked at the boy and shook his head. "Few facts are, others are lies or are overly exaggerated." Salazar turned his attention back to Hermione. It was easier to talk to her since she wasn't hostile towards him. "When reading a book on history, it is always best to remember that it is written by the victors. Therefore, it is usually one sided, rarely the full story.

"As much as I'd like to tell you more… you two have no occlumency and there are at least two other legilimens here. Our secrets aren't safe with either of you."

"What does that mean?"

"It means he can read your mind," Harry spat out.

"I don't, actually." Salazar raised a hand and closed his eyes. "Stop yelling at me, Harry. You're giving me a headache. People think things - especially when strong emotions are involved - they tend to project these thoughts outwardly. I can hear those thoughts as clearly as if you're talking to me… or in Harry's case, yelling at me. On the other hand, if we make eye contact, I can look at memories of yours, but I don't do that without permission. That is an invasion of privacy and quite rude."

"You said there are two more." Hermione bit her lip and peered at Salazar, asking, "Who else can do this?"

"Professor Snape and Dumbledore," Salazar said without hesitation. "Never look them directly in the eyes. Snape often does surface scans and will always know if you're lying. Dumbledore looks deeper if he can."

"Is that why you don't trust him?" Hermione asked. "You've never been very fond of the headmaster."

"It's more than that," Salazar said before he shrugged. "One more thing that is best left until after you learn occlumency."

Hermione perked up. "You'll teach me?"

"Of course," Salazar said. Harry was glaring at him and Salazar finally snapped, "What?"

"Why are you pretending to be nice to Hermione?"

Salazar's gaze hardened. "I am pretending no such thing. I consider Miss Granger to be quite clever, stupidly brave, has an enjoyably inquisitive mind and, unlike you, is unwaveringly loyal. She is the perfect balance of all four houses. And I don't appreciate your rude assumption."

Harry scoffed. "Everyone knows you hate muggleborns."

"First of all, who is everyone and why should I care what they believe they know? Second, in my day there was no such thing as muggles. I hate that term. It's derogatory. They are people: villeins, peasants, knights, dukes, lords, barons… they either had magic or they did not. Third, it would behoove you to remember that Godric Gryffindor is my best friend… he was born to parents without magic. He was raised by my parents in my house since his first signs of magic at the age of five. This version of Godric has a mother with no magic and I happen to adore Dani."

Salazar didn't realize he stood up, but he was soon standing toe to toe with Harry… even if he had to look up to glare at him. "And do you know why there are stories about me hating 'muggles' and 'muggleborns'?" Harry's wand was pressed into Salazar's sternum and Salazar huffed out a stream of air before he could continue, "Word came from a nearby village. There was a family in need of sanctuary. I did as I had done numerous times before, I traveled to the village to save a 4-year-old witch and her family. They were coming to live here in the castle." The memory crashed into him and he closed his eyes. Salazar shuddered as his voice softened. He hadn't said this aloud before and it pained him to admit, "They ambushed me. I was hit from a distance with an arrow. When I came to, they were beating me… hitting me again… and again…they beat me, stoned me. If I could have managed to clear my thoughts even for a moment, perhaps I could have saved myself, but it was too late for the little girl and her family." Salazar looked up as if he could see the small child and her family. "They were hung from a tree. They didn't care that the parents and her younger brother had no magic." Salazar closed his eyes and a tear slipped unbidden. "They murdered me, Harry. I was only twenty seven. I didn't grow old, unlike the portraits everyone thinks are of me. If anyone could hate someone… it should be me, but I don't. I'm a healer first and foremost. I protect… I heal…"

Hermione had moved closer and slipped her hand in his. Salazar looked at the girl with gratitude and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'd like to work with you both on occlumency." He couldn't look at Harry yet. "Unfortunately, that means you'll have to trust me."

"Okay," Hermione said immediately.

"Excellent, in the meantime, I can put a dampener on this knowledge, so it won't be broadcast to anyone by accident. You'll still know everything you've learned thus far; it will simply be an afterthought. Once your skill in occlumency is strong enough, we can answer whatever questions you have."

"And if we don't?" Harry asked with a frown.

Salazar took a deep breath. "If you do not agree, I've been instructed to remove the memory from you entirely."

"Instructed to?" Hermione's brow furrowed. "Who would do that?"

"Godric," Harry said immediately. "He's hard as nails."

"Hard as nails?" Salazar frowned. "Odd phrasing, but I suppose that fits him."

Harry blinked. "That's an expression."

"Ah." Salazar shrugged.

Hermione tugged on Salazar's hand and gestured towards the couch. Harry was staring at the stone floor, so the two left him to his thoughts. They began discussing occlumency and he explained how to start preparing for their lessons. Finally, Harry asked, "Would you really take our memory of this away?"

Salazar looked at Harry for a moment and contemplated his response. "I'm tempted," Salazar admitted. "It would simplify so much if I'd just wipe your memory."

"Not Hermione's?" Harry asked, sounding offended.

"She's agreed to the temporary block and is quite willing to learn occlumency, where you are not…" Salazar sighed. "But I can't do that to you. You're family."

"So, that's real?"

"Yes," Salazar said, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why would you think-" Salazar recoiled at the venomous look shot his way by the boy and scowled. "I already told you that I haven't lied to you."

"Omission is the same as lying."

"Codswallop, if I were to have told you who I am from the beginning, would you have believed me?" Salazar challenged him, "Or would you think I was…" He looked at Hermione and asked, "What is the slang word for an insane person?"

"A nutter."

"Really?" Salazar wrinkled his nose, causing Hermione to giggle at him. Salazar shrugged. "Odd, but accurate, I suppose."

"You're barmy is what you are." Harry sighed and grabbed a chair to have a seat. "Do Heath and Serena know?"

"Of course not." Salazar snorted. "Considering how well you took the news, can you imagine how they'll feel? 'Excuse me, but the child you gave life to is the reincarnation of one of Hogwarts founders... I hope you don't mind too terribly.'"

Hermione giggled and Harry's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. He nodded in thought. "This is a lot to take in."

"I'm aware.

Harry nodded, leaned forward, and rested his forearms on his thighs. He was staring at his wand, twirling it in his hands before admitting, "I'd like to learn occlumency."

- - - - End Bonus Scene - Salazar - - - -

Rowena was ambushed by an excitable Hermione. The young girl looked around and then leaned closer to ask, "You finished the rings?"

That wasn't what Rowena had expected and the woman let out a relieved laugh. Rowena escorted the girl to a nearby empty classroom, pressed her palm to the wall beside the door, and then smiled. "Yes, I did." Knowing the girl was already familiar with who Rowena truly was, she didn't bother to hide her magic. She waved her hand and transformed a desk into a work table, transfiguring a pair of chairs into taller stools, and sat down. She gestured to the other one for Hermione to take a seat.

The girl squealed happily, bounced onto the seat, and asked, "Do you think I could ever learn to do that? Magic without a wand or incantation."

"Certainly," Rowena said without pause. "You are currently taught only with a wand and incantations. Remember, magic is intent based and responds to your wishes, your commands, and will react accordingly." Rowena took off her ring and set it between them stating, "We've also had years of practice, which is also an advantage."

"Tracey... I mean, Salazar... well, he..." Hermione huffed and just continued, "...did a summoning charm on Harry's cloak. Just reached out and it flew. It was amazing." Rowena blinked at that, but refrained from correcting her. Summoning was a rather simple task. "Now you do transfiguration... I can't wait to learn." Hermione gestured to the ring. "So what spells and enchantments did you end up using on the rings?"

"You already know about the protean charm, we discussed that the first day." When Hermione nodded, Rowena continued explaining the ring. It was nice to have the young girl there asking questions, eager to learn, and Rowena seamlessly slipped into the teaching role as if she had never left it.

- - - - Founders - - - -

The atmosphere at the leaving feast was anything, but festive. Godric had been deemed the winner of the Triwizard Tournament, but other than polite applause, not much else was said about it. The tables were filled with food, drinks, and students chattering away with their friends. Rowena watched the others as she picked at her meal.

Harry looked peaceful enough. He didn't appear traumatized in any way, which Rowena took as a good sign. On the other hand, it had probably more to do with the memory dampening than with him accepting who they were. Hermione was beside him, beaming at Godric when he wasn't looking. Rowena bit her lip to keep from laughing, the girl was going to drive her dear friend absolutely barmy.

Godric looked exhausted. Rowena frowned and wondered if it was from all of the magic he had expended or if the events from the evening before were bothering him. She made a mental note to check in on her friend.

Helga was a bit sedate for her. She was usually quite verbose with her friends, laughing and chatting, but she did smile at least. Perhaps seeing the corpses had dampened her good spirits for a time.

Salazar appeared absolutely unmoved. Rowena didn't believe it for a moment. He was calm and listened as Lily prattled on about something. He nodded where appropriate, but otherwise stayed quiet. Viktor sat across the table from Salazar, which she found surprising since the boy usually sat at the other end of the table.

Rowena herself didn't feel any different after the evening they experienced. She had seen death before, dying was a part of life. Did she regret transfiguring those bodies? No. Did she feel any remorse for her part in the death of the snake? Not one bit. She paused in her eating to ponder if perhaps she should be concerned that she wasn't... concerned.

The Headmaster stood from his throne and approached the podium. He didn't speak immediately, he looked out to the children, then to the staff and that was when Rowena noted that none of the Ministry officials were there and one of the staff was missing: Headmaster Karkaroff of Durmstrang. Once Dumbledore was certain to have everyone's attention he began speaking, "The Ministry of Magic does not want me to tell you this. It is possible that some of your parents will be horrified that I have done so - either because they will not believe that Lord Voldemort is trying to return, or because they think I should not tell you so, young as you are. It is my belief however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies.

"The Triwizard Tournamenet's aim was to further and promote magical understanding. In the light of what has happened - of Lord Voldemort's attempted return - such ties are more important than ever before, for he will return, make no mistake."

The majority of the students listened carefully to the man's words. Some of the younger students were crying softly. Others looked confused and began looking around at their friends. Then there were those that looked pleased. Rowena took note that not all were from Salazar's house and felt a shiver run through her.

"Every guest in this Hall will be welcomed back here at any time, should they wish to come. I say to you all, once again - in the light of Lord Voldemort's attempted return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.

"It is my belief - and never have I so hoped that I am mistaken - that we are all facing dark and difficult times. Some of you in this Hall have already suffered directly at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Many of your families have been torn asunder.

"Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing."

- - - - Bonus Scene - Godric - - - -

The Beauxbatons had already left in their carriage, and the students of Durmstrang were making their way to their boat so they, as well, could leave. Godric stood in line with the other Gryffindors, standing beside both Harry and Hermione. He looked at the progression of students heading to the boat, looking for one in particular, as he determinedly tried to ignore the looks he was receiving from the two children beside him. He was at his wits end with the two, and he had barely been getting any sleep with the nightmares and the anger he felt towards himself for failing, but so far he hadn't actually snapped at anyone.

Moments later, Godric saw his quarry and called out, "Viktor!" and dashed between the other students to stand in front of the Durmstrang.

"Miss Dunbar, what are you doing?"

Godric ignored McGonagall's exasperated voice, though she didn't sound quite as stern as she usually did when it came to him.

The murmurs of the students amplified, but Godric ignored the sounds easily enough.

"Ric." Viktor smiled at him.

"Here." Godric reached into his pocket and unshrunk a canvas and gently handed it to the boy. "You're important to the queen now, and she would be quite disappointed with you if you didn't visit her. So this is a reminder."

Viktor asked, "Queen?" He then glanced down at the painting and Godric watched in amusement as his eyes widened.

Godric had painted a scene he had seen during the few times he had gone swimming with Viktor between the second and third task. Viktor had been holding onto one of Ismanna's head spikes - the one with the ring - as Ismanna twined around the Giant Squid's tentacles.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"You're welcome, just don't forget." Godric turned and went back to his spot in line.

As he made it back, Harry piped up, "Oh, I forgot! Will you still show us some of your art?"

Godric blinked at Harry before nodding. "Sure, I can show you a few tonight if you'd like."

A few other Gryffindors heard and tried to invite themselves, but Godric simply told them no and to bugger off.

Viktor showed off the painting to a few of his fellow students and one of them scoffed, saying that the size of the snake was overly exaggerated and couldn't possibly be accurate. Godric chuckled and shook his head, watching as the students boarded their ship.

Many of the Hogwarts students waved or called out goodbyes to specific friends they had made.

As the boat neared the deeper portions of the lake, the water rippled and Godric thought it was the spells around the ship about to leave. But then Ismanna's head appeared up out of the lake and landed as gently as a basilisk could on the edge of the ship.

There were screams and Godric watched as people floundered about and fell on the ship's deck.

Godric laughed and watched as Viktor appeared before Ismanna - or he assumed Viktor, as the person was mostly blocked by her large head - and placed a hand on her snout.

He smiled as he watched as Ismanna pressed against the boy gently before allowing herself to sink back into the water.

Everyone, in their own way, had finally said their goodbyes.

- - - - End Bonus Scene - Godric - - - -

Rowena spotted the man on the last day of school sitting at the head table. She had no more time to put off what she had been wanting to do before school ended. Rowena hadn't eaten a bite of her breakfast, had barely sipped her tea, and her leg bobbed up and down nervously. Luna looked at her and smiled at Rowena. "I find it refreshing to know that what has you bothered isn't life threatening for once."

That stopped the woman's fidgeting. Rowena stared at Luna and deflated. "No, it isn't. Unfortunately it does involve something that I am not particularly good at and therein lies my trouble."

"It's best to get those things done as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can move forward again," Luna said with a nod of certainty. The child wasn't wrong and that made Rowena chuckle.

"Very well," Rowena said and looked up in time to see the professor excuse himself to make his way elsewhere. "Thank you, Luna. Now if you'll excuse me, it is time for unpleasantries."

"Good luck," Luna said and Rowena couldn't help but feel lighter for the well wishes.

Rowena moved swiftly to catch up to Flitwick. The diminutive man was heading out of the Great Hall when she was nearly to him. She called out, "Professor Flitwick? May I have a moment?"

Flitwick paused in the doorway and smiled up at Rowena. "Certainly, but only a moment. You need to catch the train."

"It shouldn't take long and I'm already packed." Rowena gestured at the Entrance Hall and suggested, "Although standing in the doorway is probably not the best place for this conversation."

"Ah." Flitwick's brows furrowed and he led Rowena back to his office. Once they were settled in their seats Flitwick asked, "What can I do for you, Miss Turpin?"

"As you said, there isn't much time, so I won't mince words." Rowena braced herself and spouted, "I realize that this summer you will be choosing names for Prefects next year. I ask, no beg you not to consider me in any capacity. We both know I have the intelligence, but my social skills are," Rowena grimaced, "lacking and always have been. The students need someone approachable and I've never been..." Rowena closed her eyes and tried to hold back the shudder. "That's all I wanted to say." She looked at her professor and smiled. "That and thank you for all of your hard work teaching us. We, in Ravenclaw House, are lucky to have you as our head of house."

AN-Ajellah: So, that's Year 4 done... holy crap. I bet you didn't see all that coming...

And before anyone asks, of course I altered Dumbledore's actual speech from the book to fit our story.