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Unity

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Summary: "Salazar! Sal! Look what I can do!" Godric exclaimed. That was the last thing that Salazar remembered before being ripped through time. Set in OOTP. Friendship Godric/Salazar

Beta: None. I tried my best without one.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

A/N: Last part! I enjoyed writing this, despite my long absence!

-0-

In late Feburary, Salazar was eating his meal in the Great Hall when a BANG echoed through the castle. Then a very loud "SALAZAR! SAL?! ARE YOU HERE?! IT IS I, GODRIC!"

The entire hall hushed. They were staring at the doors in shock. Dumbledore stood slowly, his eyes wide in surprise. McGonagall looked between hexing the person making the racket and rushing out to meet the famous Godric Gryffindor.

"Subtlety isn't Godric's thing," Salazar said, standing. "I'll return soon." He picked up a fork, stabbed a potato and walked towards the doors as the Great Hall doors slammed open.

"SALA-MMPH!" Godric muffled out as Salazar's hand struck out, stuffing the potato in his friend's mouth.

"That's enough out of you," Salazar said, the fork still in his hand. "Refrain from making a racket in front of so many students."

Godric was wearing a light tunic and a red sash. He had a sword on his hip and boots on. Bright red hair, even redder than the Weasleys was ruffled and his green eyes stared at Salazar in shock. Then, without warning, Godric lunged forwards, bringing Salazar into an embrace, potato still in mouth.

"As usual," Salazar said, patting his friend's hair. "You never change."

Godric chewed and swallowed the potato, grinning. "Salazar! I was so worried about you!"

"No thanks to you," Salazar said, frowning. "I assume Helga and Rowena found a way to send us back?"

"Yes!" Godric said, "Rowena was the one to figure it out and Helga prepared it. In theory, anyway. We haven't actually tested it. But, hey, it'll be fun to experiment!" He seemed excited, gripping Salazar around the shoulder, either not noticing or ignoring the pointed glare Salazar shot him. "What has happened? Where is this place?"

"Perhaps this conversation would be better suited to take place in my office," Dumbledore advised. Salazar tilted his head towards Godric and sighed as the man grinned at them.

"And Sal can tell me all about what he's been doing," Godric said cheerfully. "I missed you!"

"The students leave tomorrow morning," Salazar said. "I was planning to travel around to see if my home still remains."

Godric blinked. "Remains?" He looked at the fork in his hand and then the food on the tables. "Speaking of which, I am kind of hungry."

Salazar smiled, looking at Dumbledore. "Do you mind if my guest shares our table?"

"Not at all, not at all," Dumbledore said joyfully, waving his wand at the space beside Salazar, summoning a squashy armchair. "Welcome, Godric Gryffindor, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"

"Oh? A school?" Godric asked, looking around, his eyes shining. Salazar could tell that Godric seemed intrigued at the idea.

"Don't get any ideas, Godric," Salazar said, pulling him along, pushing him down on a seat. "Massive as your reservoirs might be, you have yet to hone your control on your magic. As proven by your little mishap in throwing me a thousand years into the future. Until then, leave the spellwork to me."

"But Sal!" Godric said, "Think of the children! Don't you think they should have a safe place where we don't have to worry about attacks?"

"Sure," Salazar said. "Just not until you have control. Otherwise, you'd bring the castle down." He pulled a plate towards Godric and said, "Eat. We will discuss this later."

The Great Hall exploded in whispers, but Godric barely noticed or cared. He seemed overly excited to have Salazar sitting next to him. Salazar, for the most part, put up with Godric's eccentric attitude, even smiling at him when Godric mentioned that Salazar seemed at peace.

Harry smiled at his friends as they shot glances at the staff table. "So that's Godric Gryffindor," Harry said, "what do you think?"

"Well, I've read all about him. Master Swordsman and quite a skilled duelist," Hermione gushed. "Transfiguration is his subject… Though… maybe that hasn't happened just yet. Professor Salazar wasn't exactly the person we all thought he was."

"He seems like a friendly bloke," Ron said, looking at Godric. "I kind of wish he showed up earlier though. Salazar has been here for five months now, right?"

"I wonder if Godric will leave with Salazar," Hermione said, looking wistfully at them. "There's so much we could learn from them. Well, even if most of DADA these past months was Harry and me teaching the rest of the class."

Harry snorted. "Look at Umbridge."

Umbridge had a stricken look on her face, as if she plainly couldn't believe what she was seeing. She pointed a finger at Godric and said, "I demand you tell me who you are!"

Godric blinked at her and glanced at Salazar. Salazar shrugged and took another potato. The entire hall hushed, listening to the conversation.

"Godric Gryffindor, Madam," Godric said, standing and bowing very slightly.

"Lies!" Umbridge shrieked. She whipped out her wand and pointed it at Godric. Godric simply sat down and looked at Salazar.

"What's wrong with her?"

"Everything," Salazar replied. Dumbledore stood as well, his blue eyes flashing.

"You will not attack my guest, Dolores, " Dumbledore thundered.

"Albus! How could you let this… this creature impersonate Godric Gryffindor?" Umbridge asked, almost frothing at the mouth. "It was bad enough with some kind of creature impersonating Salazar Slytherin, but now this?!"

Godric slammed his hands on the table, shooting to his feet. "Salazar is not a creature! You better hold your tongue, woman, or I will cut it off!"

"Godric," Salazar said, lowering his fork. He looked up at him, his grey eyes calm. "You do not have to defend me from the ramblings of a madwoman. It is very clear she is not in her right mind."

"She knows exactly what she is saying," Godric growled, but slumped back in his seat. "Sal… What in the world has been going on? Why do you stay and dine with them if there are people like her around?"

Salazar smiled.

-0-

Despite knowing Salazar for most of his life, Godric had found Parseltongue, like most of Slytherin, absolutely fascinating. He would often request for Salazar to repeat something in Parseltongue or to say a phrase in Parseltongue, to Salazar's amusement.

Salazar didn't mind opening his rooms to Godric, as he found watching Godric try to enter with the Parseltongue password was very entertaining. Godric eventually asked Salazar to switch the password, which Salazar did without comment.

Godric also enjoyed Transfiguration and Potions. He would show up in McGonagall's class, grinning widely, but refusing to perform any magic with the excuse, "Sal would kill me. No, really, he would."

Snape, on the other hand, seemed much less inclined to open his Potion's classroom to the founder. Snape seemed to have the impression that Godric was a foolish Gryffindor that would ruin the potions. To his surprise, Godric was very good at not touching anything and even helped some students out.

"I've watched Sal a lot when he brews," Godric told Snape. "Though I don't brew myself. I don't have the patience for it. But since Sal enjoys it, I watch him do it."

Umbridge, on the other hand, had made it a point to stalk the swordsman, calling him 'barbaric' and 'muggle-like'. Godric would ignore these comments, though he would fly into rage when Umbridge insulted Salazar within earshot. Umbridge had found this a great reason to try to get Godric exiled from Hogwarts, but Dumbledore merely said that she should be glad that it wasn't Salazar who attacked her for it.

Since her last inspection, Umbridge had tried to come into every DADA class. However, she would often be refused entry and, when she wasn't, one of the student's curses or hexes would 'accidently' hit her. When she complained about this, Salazar simply said, "You are a standstill target. Participate or leave."

That and Godric's sword had a tendency to slip in her direction.

-0-

"Fudge appointed Umbridge Headmistress?!"

Harry's gasp was echoed by nearly the entire school. Fudge had, apparently, sent Dumbledore off to do something and then placed Umbridge as Headmistress. As the first order of business, she had tried to get Salazar fired and chased from the castle, but with no success. None of the students wanted to face the future Founder of Hogwarts who knew more obscure spells, hexes and curses than the entire staff put together, so Umbridge was left to the task.

She had originally tried to fire him as he didn't have a solid curriculum, but Salazar simply laughed in her face and replied with "Neither did you." Then she had tried to hex him, but was sent up to the hospital wing ten minutes later with her memory of whatever happened gone and her hair growing inexplicably fast. None of the potions or counter curses worked, so Umbridge spent the first day as Headmistress in the Hospital Wing, resembling a hairy gorilla.

Godric had joined Salazar in class and they would often demonstrate sword-wand dueling. Salazar never said the spells out loud so none of the class knew what kind of spells he used, but it was fun to watch regardless.

Harry had arranged for most of the class to participate in mock duels, though he knew that it wasn't going to be as impressive as the Founder's. Salazar and Godric would walk around, undoing spells or hexes so that they could continue or correcting stances.

In terms of amusement, nothing, not even Salazar's impressive spellwork, beat the Weasley Twin's chaos. On the second day of Umbridge's Headmistress position, there was a tremendous BANG that shook the walls. Salazar paused in his speech about evading spells and raised an eyebrow at the class. Godric burst in the classroom and said, "Sal?! Did something happen?!"

"No idea," Salazar said, dismissing the children with a wave of his hand. "But we can go see what has happened."

They were greeted to the sight of Umbridge and Filch frantically trying to get rid of brightly colored dragons. Filch was swinging around a broom and, within seconds, the head of the broom caught on fire. Umbridge stunned one, and it exploded with such force that it blew a hole in the painting of a witch.

Salazar and Godric stood, amazed. Whoever had set these off clearly knew what they were doing, as the Vanishing Spell that hit the firework multiplied it by ten. The hilarity of the situation, as well as the blackened-soot covered Umbridge, really topped the cake.

Salazar leaned against the wall, a small chuckle rising in his chest. It opened the floodgate, as laughter, loud and clear, rang through the hallways. Godric looked at his friend's face and his face split into a wide smile. Suddenly, he was laughing right along with Salazar.

It felt good to laugh with his best friend again. Salazar didn't laugh often so Godric treasured every moment of it. It wasn't as if the fireworks were doing permanent damage, after all. It was just a great distraction.

Godric spent the next day stalking Umbridge and watching her being summoned by every teacher, who had most difficulty getting rid of the fireworks without her. Evidently, none of the teachers liked Umbridge the least bit and were more than happy to find ways to occupy her time. At one point, Salazar had pointed his wand at her again and she spent the rest of the day breaking every chair she sat in. To her frustration, none of the healers or curse breakers she saw told her what the matter was.

Salazar had congratulated the Weasley Twins for their prank, even going so far as to conjure a red and gold banner to hang in the Gryffindor Common Room for the party. Salazar had somehow found out the password and entered to do so, startling the younger Gryffindors. When questioned, Salazar simply said, "My friend told me."

It was Harry, during one of his weekly visits to Salazar's private rooms, who asked about the supposed 'friend'. Salazar held out his hand, revealing a coiled viper, napping quietly.

-0-

"Do you, perhaps, know if you have a vault in Gringotts Bank?" Sirius asked over the Easter Holidays. He had insisted Godric and Salazar visit, as he had wanted to meet the famous Godric Gryffindor. Godric didn't seem to mind this detour to Salazar's old home.

"I was told that Gringotts Bank was founded in the 1400s," Salazar said. "I definitely don't have a vault." He exchanged a look with Godric and added, "And if my heirs made one, I have no business trying to get their money."

"Wizards have a bank? Salazar, what's happened in a thousand years?!" Godric looked both awed and disturbed. "What have we missed?"

"Time," Salazar answered simply.

Sirius grinned and added, "Yes, and the bank is run by goblins."

"Goblins? Well, I'm glad they have found a place in our world," Godric said, seemingly pleased. "Do you invite your banker to dinner often? I would like to speak to them."

"Err, no?" Sirius said, taken aback.

"No? Why not?" Godric asked, sincerely.

Sirius looked uncomfortable. "They don't… like us very much."

"That's a shame," Salazar said a mischievous smile blooming on his face.

Not a week after that, Salazar had a bank account as well as a personal goblin to manage his assets. Harry found it extremely odd that Salazar had any money on his person, but decided not to ask.

Everyone else was marveling at the new beds that they had obtained in their dorms over the Holidays.

-0-

It was around the middle of June when Salazar was ready to attempt to return back to his own time. He had just finished preparing the time sand, when a frantic knock was heard from his door. Salazar blinked, a little alarmed. He had finished his exams for most of the students already. Who could that have been?

He walked over to the door and opened it to see a frantic Harry Potter. Harry was out of breath, his words falling over each other in an incoherent sentence.

"Repeat that, slower," Salazar prompted, pulling on his cloak, looking at Harry curiously.

"Voldemort's got Sirius in the Department of Ministry!" Harry gasped out. "You have to help."

"What would my heir need Black for in the Department of Ministry?" Salazar asked, frowning.

"Donno. But he's getting tortured! I saw it!" Harry said desperately.

"Saw it?" Salazar echoed.

"Yes! I'll explain on the way. We need to go, now!" Harry said frantically. Salazar nodded slowly, gesturing for Harry to lead the way.

By the time Harry had arrived in the Ministry, he had briefed Salazar on what was going on. Salazar sighed deeply and said, "I do wish you could have told me that you were learning Occlumency. I could have taught you, as I am quite an accomplished Legilimence."

"You mean I didn't have to suffer Snape's horrid teaching?" Harry exclaimed. Ron and Hermione were both with him, but Salazar had convinced Harry that anyone more would be too suspicious.

Salazar smiled. "What's done is done. Legilimency can put false suggestions in someone's mind. They can't exactly show true memories though. And long term Legilimency isn't something easily done."

He tilted his head as he was asked to present his wand. But in the end, they didn't as Harry had simply shooed them to the lift. They went deeper into the halls, Salazar following behind, sighing as Harry tried doors to find the right ones.

"This is it!"

Harry's excited murmur broke through the quiet silence. Salazar followed the trio, knowing that they were going to walk into a trap but also knowing that Harry would not care. Not if his godfather's life was on the line.

"Row ninety-seven," Hermione said.

"Here! Harry, your name is here!" Ron said, pointing, excitedly.

"What?!"

And there it was, a tiny glass ball, labeled with Harry's name. It also had the words "The Dark Lord" written on it. Salazar could see it clearly as Harry inspected it.

"What about your godfather?" Salazar asked. "Aren't you here to rescue him? Where could he be?"

"Right!" Harry turned away from the glass ball, looking at Salazar. "Er… I don't really…"

"Know," Salazar finished. "You don't know, because he was never here. Legilimency cannot transport visions. You can put a certain feeling in someone's mind, but to actually put a vision is impossible. For you to receive visions from him, means that he is connected to you in some way."

"Connected to me?" Harry repeated.

"Through that, I wager," Salazar said, nodding to the glass ball. "And through the Killing Curse he struck you with when you were a baby. No one has survived such a thing before you or so it is said."

Harry opened his mouth, but then closed it again.

"So… Sirius is…"

"Probably at home," Salazar said. "And thinking you're in danger since you're here. And several of my friends have mentioned odd vibrations in the air. Twelve wizards are here to ambush you. Likely after you pick that up."

That was when the curses started flying. Salazar didn't even blink or turn as he deflected each and every one, shooting body binds at people and stunning others with his wand. Harry, Hermione, and Ron ducked, looking at Salazar with some level of admiration. Salazar turned to face the last of the six standing.

"Well, at least he thought this one through, stupid as it might have been," Salazar commented, his grey eyes glinting. "I give you ten seconds to explain yourselves before I use rather ancient and old curses to make you talk. Believe me, the Cruciatus Curse will seem tame compared to what I will do to you."

"Hand over the Prophecy, Potter, and no one will get hurt," Lucius Malfoy said, raising his wand to point at Salazar. "I don't know who you are but your little threats—"

He didn't get any further. Salazar shot a violet spell at Lucius which caused him to drop his wand and scream in agony. He fell to his knees and shrieked in pain, silenced by a wave of Salazar's hand. Harry watched with sick fascination as Lucius' hand started to rot away right before their very eyes. Salazar pointed his wand at a woman, who Harry identified as Bellatrix Lestrange and said, "Next. If your story is as boring as his, I suggest you remain quiet."

Bellatrix watched with absolute glee as Lucius writhed in pain. Salazar gave a dismissive look to Lucius, slicing off the rotting hand before the infestation could reach his wrist. The blood oozed very carefully out of the wrist, as if threatening to pour out. Lucius slumped in relief, sobbing with pain.

"Such power!" she cackled. "The Dark Lord would admire it."

"I have no intention of joining your little cult," Salazar said smoothly. "As you have threatened my students, I demand an explanation. Now. I am not a very patient man and I believe I still have a few things I would like to settle with your Lord."

Bellatrix's eyes narrowed and suddenly, they were all moving. The six that had fallen all hopped up, dashing into the cover of darkness. Harry whipped out his wand to help Salazar, his green eyes flashing in the midst of all the glowing orbs. He grabbed the prophecy off the shelf and tucked it into his pocket.

"Hmmm," Salazar said, as the Death Eaters scattered. "I only need one to interrogate…" He glanced at the collapsed Malfoy and said, "This one will do just fine. The others you can kill."

"Kill?!" Hermione squeaked.

"Well of course," Salazar said. "They're not exactly going to be fighting peacefully, are they?" He had his wand out and bound Lucius with iron chains before raising his wand and shooting a spell into the darkness. A yell echoed through the room and Harry gasped. "You're dueling to kill. If you don't have the guts, why did you come? Protect your friend, Granger."

Salazar dodged a "Crucio" screamed by Bellatrix and the duel began.

Halfway into a rather stunning display of magic, the doors slammed open. Order of the Phoenix members poured in, all brandishing wands, but stopping short as they saw just what was going on.

Salazar had his hands raised, chanting something in a strange language as magic violently whipped around him. A giant spiritual serpent rose, lashing out at the Death Eaters violently as Harry, Hermione, and Ron all shot hexes and jinxes at them.

The dust settled in a few short seconds, with several Death Eaters having been bit or cursed. Salazar remained dueling Bellatrix, who seemed both terrified and awed at the display of power. Order members joined in, hurriedly moving to assist the children, as Salazar seemed to be doing well on his own.

"Master! He's too strong! You must help me!" Bellatrix screamed.

"Your Master can't hear you!" Harry roared back.

"Can't I, Potter?"

Voldemort was looking at Harry and Salazar with some level of respect.

"So… this mystery man comes into the fray and displays magic long lost. Months of preparation, months of effort. All thwarted by one man." Voldemort had his wand pointed at Salazar. "I shall extract my revenge now. AVADA KADAVRA!"

Salazar shot a spell towards Voldemort, hitting the killing curse in midair and shattering it.

"That is my line!" he said furiously. His magic crackled around him as he stalked towards Voldemort. "Years and years of work and dedication to raise a Basilisk and you decide to murder students with it?! Years and years of time, patience, wasted because of your attitude! My Basilisk! My precious jewel! You are no heir of mine! Just a power hungry half-blood that is terrified of dying!"

Voldemort's furious face recoiled a little at the revelation.

"And then you soiled my precious locket. Ohhhh, how I should tear you apart. How I should torture you for the evil you've sullied my locket with," Salazar hissed in Parseltongue. It was clear that Voldemort had not expected this at all, as his face was showing nothing but blank shock. "I should whip you. Oh, how I would love to. Like the disobedient child that you are!"

"Dumbledore!" Ron screamed, pointing.

Salazar ignored the yell. His attention was still on Voldemort.

"Look at you now! Weakened by the repeated blows on your soul. Tell me, was it worth it? Was it worth ripping your soul into pieces to achieve immortality? To have your magic and body weakened until it resembles nothing more than a wraith?" Salazar's sneer could have put Lucius Malfoy's to shame. "You disgust me."

"How-How is it you speak?!" Voldemort demanded, his wand raised. Salazar threw his head back and laughed.

"It's obvious! I am Salazar Slytherin!" Salazar snarled, sending a barrage of curses towards Voldemort. "Impudent child! Insolent brat! I have magic long lost to the world today. You think you can defeat me?! Think again!"

Harry wasn't sure what spells Salazar was using, but he was immensely glad that Salazar was there with them. On their side, fighting for them.

Dumbledore joined the fray. With Salazar and Dumbledore together, Voldemort stood no chance. He opted to flee with Bellatrix, but not before Fudge burst into the Atrium. Sirius hesitated, but Salazar gripped his sleeve, pulling him behind him.

"Dumbledore!" Fudge gasped. "And… and who is this?!" He recoiled as he saw the man standing behind Salazar. "Sirius Black!"

"My ally," Salzar said shortly, his grey eyes flashing. "Have you finally come to your senses, Fudge? I tire of playing your game."

"Sa… Salazar Slytherin?! Sirius Black, your ally?!" Fudge yelped, pointing. Salazar gave him a cool smile.

"We shall return to Hogwarts," Salazar said turning to the children. "Dumbledore, if you would do the honors?" He glanced at Lucius Malfoy and then decided that the interrogation could wait. Priority would be to make sure Harry and his friends were safe. He glanced at all the Order members and then his eyes settled on Sirius.

"Glad you're on our side," Sirius said, throwing Salazar into a one armed hug. "I have never seen such power before."

Salazar gave a small smile and touched the portkey that would transport them back to Hogwarts. "I have things to finish before I return to my own time."

He closed his eyes as everything vanished around him. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at Salazar fearfully as they dropped on Dumbledore's carpet.

"I… I thought you were kidding when you said you were known as a Dark Wizard," Harry said carefully.

"The spells I use have been banned for many centuries, though in my time, they were not," Salazar said calmly, placing the Portkey on the table. "I am considered a Dark Wizard by today's standards simply because of the knowledge and skills I possess. I have refrained from showing you thus far, as you had no need to know."

Harry shared a look with his friends. Salazar leaned against the wall, glancing out the window.

"Are you scared? Knowing what I am capable of?" Salazar asked, a smirk blooming on his face.

Harry didn't get a chance to reply as Dumbledore arrived, the door swinging open. Dumbledore had a grave look on his face.

-0-

As it turned out, Salazar didn't get to whip Voldemort. Godric, however, bemoaned the loss of the fight with the whine of 'Why didn't you take me with you?' Salazar simply smiled as Godric sulked.

Harry was a little put out that he was sent back before Salazar. He really did want to see how Salazar would chew out the Minister of Magic for this. He watched as Salazar donned the robes he wore when he first arrived, tying the sash.

"So… you're leaving?" Harry asked quietly. Salazar glanced at him and slowly walked over to Harry, placing his hands on Harry's shoulders. He knelt down so he was eye to eye with Harry.

"Harry, I don't belong here. I have a school to build and students back in my time to train," Salazar said gently. "I'm sure you understand."

"I understand. But I don't like it," Harry mumbled.

"I told young Malfoy this yesterday, but I'll tell you as well: this war is not mine to fight," Salazar said softly. "It's not yours either. Don't place yourself in danger for the sake of adult's foolish goals." He slowly lowered his hands and placed them on Harry's and then added, "If you find yourself in danger, Harry, then remember this. This is war. People kill. People die. And if you don't want to be a casualty in the battle, fight with all you have. Even if it means that you must kill."

"I don't want to kill," Harry said.

"Sometimes, it can't be helped," Salazar said. "You are almost an adult, Harry. There is no such thing as foul play in war. There are only those who live and those who die."

Harry said nothing as Salazar pulled away. Salazar sighed and extended his hand to Harry, pulling him to his feet.

"There is no reason for you to look so down. Your godfather will be released soon. You will be allowed to live with him. You can ask him to teach you," Salazar said. "I will return back to my own time. And, hopefully, our paths will never cross again."

Harry cracked a smile at that. "Worried Godric will make another mistake?"

"I'm not worried he will. I know he will. And I will be cleaning it up," Salazar sighed. He turned towards the doors and watched as Godric burst in without knocking.

"Ready, Sal?" Godric asked happily.

"As I'll ever be," Salazar replied. "Just one last thing to take care of…"

-0-

Umbridge stared at the area where Hogwarts was supposed to be. There was nothing but grass and a neatly trimmed plantation. Rows upon rows of plants were growing.

"Oh, you came along?" The voice of Salazar spoke behind her. "I suppose that's what you get for trying to stop the ritual when it was halfway done."

"It was Dark Magic!" Umbridge sputtered. "When I get back, Cornelius will hear of this!"

Both Godric and Salazar exchanged a look and shrugged. "Good luck with that. The Ministry of Magic isn't established yet and won't be established for another couple centuries," Salazar said calmly.

Umbridge sputtered in disbelief as Salazar gave her a nasty look.

"That is, if you don't die first. Being branded a witch is common around these parts."

-0-

A/N: And that's it folks! I hope you've enjoyed this little adventure!