Universe (D)+01 | Plane of Mortal Men
Class-Five Restricted Planet: C-53/SR/R3-O2
Hogwarts | Alba Highlands | 990 a.C.n.

Salazar Slytherin stood at the edge of the castle's crumbling parapet, his sharp eyes fixed on the enchanting figure below. The midday sun bathed the grounds of Hogwarts in a golden glow, casting an ethereal light on the witch tending to the gardens. She moved gracefully among the rows of flowers and herbs, her fiery red hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of flames. The castle, newly restored from centuries of abandonment, still bore the marks of time, its ancient stone whispering tales of forgotten eras. But it was the witch, not the castle, that held Salazar's rapt attention.

The redhead knelt by a patch of wilting roses, her slender fingers brushing lightly against the petals. Yet, as she whispered soft, melodic words that Salazar could barely make out, least of all understand, the flowers seemed to come alive under her touch; stems straightening and blooms unfurling in vibrant displays of colour. The Potions Master swore he could almost hear the plants sigh in contentment from where he stood, as if they were eager to please their tender, and intrigued, he leaned further over the edge, his curiosity piqued by the otherworldly energy that surrounded her.

He had heard of witches with the gift of herbology, but this was something different, something far more profound. There was a mystical quality to her presence, an aura that set her apart from the other magical folk he had encountered, and unable to help himself, Salazar descended the spiral staircase that led from the parapet to the courtyard.

The Potions Master moved with the silent grace of a predator, footsteps silent and dark robes flowing around him like shadows. As he approached the gardens, he watched the witch rise to her feet, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she surveyed her handiwork, before she turned and emerald-green met silver-grey for the first time.

"Good day," Salazar greeted, his voice smooth and deep, yet tinged with a curiosity he rarely displayed. "I could not help but notice your remarkable talent with the flora. It is as though they obey your every command."

"Ah," the witch replied, her eyes alight with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. "The plants and I have an understanding, you see. They respond to kindness and care, much like any living creature."

Salazar stepped closer, his gaze never wavering from her face. "You must be a skilled witch indeed, to have such command over nature."

She laughed, a sound like tinkling bells that managed to temper the frown beginning to tug at Salazar's lips. "Skilled, perhaps. But it is not about command, Master Slytherin. It is about harmony. The plants and I are partners, each giving and receiving in turn."

"Symbiosis." An eyebrow raised upon the wizard's forehead, clearly impressed by her philosophy. "And what, may I ask, is your name, fair lady of the gardens?"

"Oh, 'fair lady'. I am Eithne," she revealed, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she offered a quick curtsey. "And you are Salazar Slytherin, the esteemed Potions Master of Alba and soon-to-be Professor, if I am not mistaken."

"You are well-informed," Salazar remarked, intrigued by her knowledge. "It seems news travels quickly among the walls of Hogwarts."

"The castle has always had a way of revealing its secrets to those who listen," Eithne revealed, her gaze drifting to the castle behind them. "This place is alive with history, with magick; all so ancient and powerful and just waiting to be rediscovered by those willing to listen."

"Indeed," Salazar agreed, glancing back at the imposing structure. "And it seems you are very much a part of that magick, Eithne."

Eithne smiled, her eyes meeting his once more. "Perhaps, Master Slytherin. But I am merely a caretaker, here by request of Lady Ravenclaw to help nurture and protect both the grounds and its future students."

Her comment had the Potions Master's interest deepening; the mention of Lady Ravenclaw piquing his curiosity further. Rowena was known for her discerning nature and exceptional judgement, and if she had truly entrusted Eithne with such a task, Salazar knew there must be more to this witch than her evident talent with flora.

"Lady Ravenclaw has clearly chosen well," Salazar said, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Her wisdom in selecting you speaks volumes."

The smile on Eithne's lips widened, and her silver-grey eyes sparkled with appreciation. "Thank you. It is truly an honour to serve Hogwarts."

"I am certain you shall do her proud," the Potions Master stated as he took a moment to observe the witch more closely, noting a grace in her movements and a lightness in her demeanour that seemed almost otherworldly. It wasn't just her skills with plants that set her apart; there was something more profound, an innate connection to the very essence of life around her.

"But tell me, Eithne," Salazar continued, his tone turning more inquisitive. "How did you come to possess such a gift? It is rare to find someone so attuned to the natural world."

The witch's expression turned thoughtful, red hair falling over her shoulder as her gaze drifted back to the flowers she had just tended. "I... it is not something easily explained. From a young age, I felt a connection to the earth and its creatures. My parents encouraged this bond, teaching me the ways of herbology and the ancient magicks of our ancestors, and over time, I learned to listen to the whispers of the plants and to understand their needs."

The Potions Master nodded, pleased with her response - her honesty. "Not many can hear the whispers of nature," he complimented with a rare smile that was naught more than an upwards quirk of his lips. "Rowena, myself, Helga, and Godric; we are hoping to build something extraordinary here at Hogwarts, and your presence will undoubtedly enhance our efforts."

"It is a noble endeavour, Master Slytherin; one, I can assure you, I am eager to contribute to."

As they stood there, the ancient stones of Hogwarts bearing silent witness to their conversation, something began to bloom within Salazar. He could sense that Eithne's unique abilities and perspective would bring a valuable dimension to their fledgling school, and he was surprised to find himself looking forward to a future filled with her presence.

"Shall we walk?" he suggested, extending his arm toward the garden path. "I would like to hear more about your experiences and your visions for the future of Hogwarts," was added when his question was only rewarded with startled, widening eyes and a confused expression flickering over Eithne's features.

However, with a gracious nod, the witch accepted his invitation. And as they strolled through the gardens, the vibrant blooms seemed to reach out toward them; a testament to the harmony Eithne had spoken of.


Unbeknownst to the pair, their exchange had not gone unnoticed. Hidden in the shadows of a nearby archway, Rowena Ravenclaw watched with keen interest. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous smile as she observed her friend leading Eithne back towards the castle. She could see the subtle reluctance in Salazar's demeanour; a rare and intriguing sight, as if he did not want to part with the witch just yet.

"Well, that certainly didn't take long..."


Conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving tales of the past with hopes for the future, as Eithne and Salazar neared the entrance of Hogwarts. Yet Salazar paused, glancing back at Eithne with a thoughtful expression.

"Would you care for a more personal tour of the castle?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of eagerness. "I would like to show you what we envision for Hogwarts and share my hopes for its future."

Silver-grey eyes lit up with curiosity. "I would be honoured, Master Slytherin."

"Salazar, please," the wizard corrected, hesitating for but a moment before offering his arm. "We are to be colleagues after all."

"If only you then call me Eithne," was agreed, the smile on Eithne's lips growing as she accepted the offered limb, letting the Potions Master lead her through the grand entrance and into the heart of the castle.

They wandered through the ancient halls, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floors. Salazar spoke of his dreams for the school - a place where young witches and wizards could come to learn and grow, where knowledge and wisdom would be cherished, and where the bonds of friendship and loyalty could be forged without fear of Muggle interference. He pointed out the newly established classrooms, the grand library filled with ancient tomes, and the majestic Great Hall, where students would gather to share meals and stories.

"Hogwarts will be a sanctuary," Salazar revealed, his voice filled with conviction. "A place where magick and learning come together; where each student is encouraged to reach their full potential."

Eithne could only listen intently, her admiration for the wizard growing with each word he spoke. "Your vision is truly inspiring, Salazar. I can already feel that this place will become something extraordinary."

As they continued their tour, Salazar's passion for Hogwarts was undeniable, and Eithne felt a deep sense of excitement for the future. She knew that she had finally found a place where she could make a difference, where her gifts would be valued and her contributions meaningful.


Meanwhile, Rowena remained in the shadows, her smile widening as she watched the pair disappear further into the depths of the castle. She could see the beginnings of a powerful alliance forming, one that would shape the future of Hogwarts in ways even one such as she could not fully foresee.

Yet, and with a satisfied nod, Rowena turned and made her way back to her tower, her mind already buzzing with plans for the days to come.