This series is my interpretation of the background of the Founders. Their lives, how they came together, how Hogwarts was formed etc. That being said, a lot of the things that happen in this story are correct for the time period, which is from about 500 to 800 CE. The beginning chapters are each founder's life story, and now to finish Godric's early years.

Please read warnings for every chapter, as they will all be very different.

Warnings: Suicide, evil assholes,violence. Someone is a little shit. Guess who. I love him anyway. I keep killing the people I love. Not Fair.

Chapter 3: Courage, Part 2

Godric woke before the dawn light the next morning. He stretched and checked over his packs one last time. He had expanded one of his side bags, so he was able to bring his entire library with him, with little effort. He carefully tugged on his clothing, not the fine clothes from the previous night, but well made and worn clothes for the upcoming battles. He breathed out a sigh, and ran a hand through his hair. Glancing around his room one last time, his eyes stopped on the package he had received the previous night from Sir Roderick. He went over to it, and prodded it once or twice before carefully opening it.

Godric stared at what was inside with wide eyes, not sure how to take his...present. Inside of the package was a floppy wide brimmed wizard's hat, with large pieces of fabric hanging down the sides.

Godric stared at the atrocity for some time, before he was able to pull his mind together and see the note that was tacked onto the hat.

"Maybe if you wear this no one will see you coming!" -R

Godric groaned, and his head dropped into his hand, he muffled a curse, and for some unknown reason, stuffed the godforsaken hat into his expanded bag.

He checked over his attire one last time, and finally grabbed his sword from where it hung on the wall. He had cleaned and polished it the night before, but it was always necessary to check it at least once more. He slipped it into the sheath buckled at his side, and then grabbed his bow and quiver, slinging them over his shoulders.

He left his room, quietly closing the door behind him as he slipped downstairs. He tucked out the side door, and headed towards the stables where his horse, Hildred, was already perking up at the early morning noise.

"Hey there darling, are you ready to go?" Godric rubbed his hand on her nose, and she snorted, lipping at his glove.

With Hildred saddled and bridled, Godric mounted, and they trotted forward to stand in front of the main gate. He looked over his home with one last longing glance, and as he was about to turn away, the door swung open, and his mother carefully exited the manor.

Godric blinked, and nudged Hildred towards her.

"Mother, what are you doing up so early?" Godric spoke quietly, and his mother beamed at him.

"Do you really think I would let you go without getting you a proper present?" She quickly pushed something into his hands. It was a small charm one a piece of twine, glinting and glistening in the torches fires.

"Mother?"

"That token has been passed down the Monday line for generations, it is said to protect you from evil...just be safe, my son, and..." She trailed off, her eyes closed, "Stay safe, and try so save as many people as you can. Please."

Godric smiled down at her and quickly tucked the gold medallion into his clothes, "I will Mother, I will do everything I can."

"Good luck," She smiled one last time, and Godric turned his horse away, trotting out the open gate.

~~.~~

Godric had been travelling for a few days, moving along the main road, and stopping in villages along the way to hear if there were any rumors about monsters or magic users that he could help with. He had been welcome in the villages, and spent time learning about the townspeople and the areas around his home.

Not to say he hadn't done research before, but it was different hearing it from the people in town then reading about it in his father's guides.

"I hear, in the town over, they gettin' a lot of strange things near the woods. Lights, inhuman noises," one man in a pub smirked, and sloshed his drink a bit as he leaned over to Godric's side, "They sayin' it's a haunting some kind of will-o-wisp in the woods, watchin' them. Nobody been going out there lately, too dangerous, but I heard the- the head of the village is gonna start sendin' out patrols."

Godric looked over at the man almost slumped against his side, "hmm, what village is this?"

"Oh, Fin..Finfoss, 'bout two days," the man flopped his hand down the main road in an easterly direction.

Godric smiled, and carefully removed himself from the drunks side, "Interesting, I will head that way now," Godric placed a few coins on the table, "Have a drink on me for the information."

"Thank you kindly," the drunk grinned, and waved his hand as a barmaid passed.

It took Godric about a day and a half to ride over to Finfoss, and it was reaching evening when he did finally get to the village.

The atmosphere around the town was tense, and everyone seemed to be rushing to their houses.

"Excuse me, miss, would you kindly tell me where I could gain lodgings for the night, or perhaps talk to the head of the village?"

A young lady wearing a light yellow dress with a dirty white apron thrown over it moved back a step, before curtsying, "O-of course, Milord, there are lodgings in the Lion's Pride. It is that building with the claw marks on the sign...and Derek-the head, is busy right now with the..." the girl trailed off, looking around for a moment.

"If you mean about the supernatural situation, then that is why I am here, Godric Gryffindor, at your service," Godric smiled, and did a slight bow.

The girl's eyes widened,"Oh! I, well, I mean, please let me take you to him, Milord, things have been..." the girl looked around her shoulder at the approaching shadow of the trees, "Not...good."

The girl led Godric to a medium sized wooden log building near the center of the small town, she turned to leave, and Godric called out, "May I ask what your name is, Miss?"

The girl flushed,"Margery, Milord."

"Thank you for your assistance today, Margery," Godric smiled, ignoring the blush staining the girl's cheeks,"I understand that you believe it is dangerous out at night, if you would wait a moment for me to talk to Derek, I would be honored to make sure you return home safely."

The girl smiled brightly, " No need to worry Milord, I live just 'cross the road, but thank you, Milord."

Godric watched her cross over the way, and knocked loudly on the wooden door.

A man opened the door, looking Godric over briefly, eyes lingering on the crest and the sword belted to his side.

"Yes?"

"I'm Godric Gryffindor, I heard rumors on the road that you may be suffering from a magical problem, and I am here to lend my aid if that is the case," Godric gave a polite bow.

The man's eyes widened, and a relieved look flashed over his face, "A Gryffindor! Oh thank the Lord, I mean, yes, please, Lord Gryffindor, please, come in." The man quickly moved back from the door, and led Godric to a small sitting room.

Godric sat, thanked the man for the drink that was placed by his side, and waited as the man settled across from him.

"It all started, oh a couple months ago we think, but...it was just little things. People saying they had seen lights in the woods, or they heard...noises, chanting and the like," the man took a large sip his hands trembling against the mug, "but lately...well I mean, fires don't start in the town square by themself you know? And just a few days ago one of the pigs just vanished! The guy watching wasn't drunk, never is at that time in the morning, but he swears up and down that it was gone!"

"Interesting, tell me, did anything strange, or new happen in the past couple months, any visitors, or any deaths that were unexplainable?" Godric took a small sip from his mug.

The man shook his head, "Nothing of note, I was trying to think of the same, it was just another normal year, no one even died of the frost this time around."

Godric nodded to himself, and rose, "I believe that I will be looking into this situation, thank you for your hospitality and information."

Derek rose across from him,"No, thank you Lord Gryffindor, with you here this is load off of my mind."

Godric nodded, and made his way over to the Lion's Pride to rent a room for the night.

He carefully placed his pack on the floor near his bed, and sat down on the cot.

'WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I DOING!' Godric mentally screamed at himself, his head falling into his hands.

'Calm down, calm down, what do I know...make a list. Lights, "chanting", fires, a pig disappeared? I, I need to think over creatures that could possibly do all of those things..."

Godric breathed in slowly, then breathed out. He pulled out a stack of books and journals from his pouch. He spent the next two hours pouring over creatures-looking more towards the humanoid style. He went to sleep, the book stacked neatly by the bedside.

He got up with the morning light, and after a light breakfast, moved outside to get in his early morning workout.

When he finished the last of his stretches, he gathered his equipment, and went directly to the first source of the problems.

The forest.

~~.~~

The forest was a bust.

Godric smirked to himself a little, as he walked down another deer trail, eyes and ears alert. He had found nothing for the four hours he had been out there, no signs of any dangerous beasts, or any kind of foul play.

He shook his head a bit, and was walking back to the town when he stepped right into a wall. It felt of security and protection as it brushed over him, but it made him freeze all the same. Slowly he began to look over the area, and groaned as he saw the markings on a nearby tree.

"Of course," Godric sighed, and headed back to town.

~~.~~

It hadn't taken long to find what he was looking for. Godric was waiting outside a small house that was in the middle of a row of houses. He knocked on the door, and a bit of yelling was heard from inside. After a moment, a small child pushed the door open, and squeaked with surprise.

"Excuse me young man, is there an adult I could talk to?" Godric smiled, and the child squeaked again, and rushed back into the house yelling for his mother.

A middle age woman came to the door next, and froze, her skin instantly going pale.

"I have something to talk to you about, would you mind if we went inside?"

The woman backed up slowly, her eyes straining to the children behind her. Godric gave her a small smile, "Please, inside, just to talk."

The woman shakily let him in, and hastily told her children to play outside. They obviously knew something was happening, but they followed their mother's orders.

Godric nodded to himself, and quickly waved his hand, and the room was engulfed in silence.

The woman's eyes widened even further, and she fell softly into her chair.

"I-you," the woman started, unable to speak.

"Surprising isn't it? Don't worry, I'm not here to harm you or your children...I'm guessing one of them just started using accidental magic?" Godric smiled kindly, and the woman let out a rough sob.

"He, yes, I don't understand?" the woman was shaking, and Godric carefully rose and knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm indeed a Gryffindor, but, let us just say that not many people know about this part."

"You're a wizard!" the woman stared at him in shock.

"Yes, and I can help you a little with this problem, I was able to raise my magic in secret, and I may have some ways to help you keep your children safe," Godric made sure to look into her eyes, "The wardings that you put up in the forest are well done, but I have techniques that you can use to keep the accidental magic from being too conspicuous."

The woman started crying in earnest, but was able to get out a few phrases through the sobs, "My husband and I were so worried-A Gryffindor-we thought we were dead!"

Godric stayed where he was for the entirety, and allowed the woman to gather herself.

They spent late into the afternoon talking about meditation techniques, and Godric finally let down the silence spell on the area.

"One more thing, I'm going to make it seem like I killed whatever 'creature' was out there in the area, so please try to keep things quiet for the next month or so."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much," the woman was beaming at him.

Godric gave her a polite nod in response.

~~.~~

It was too easy to set up some story about a ghost of a person that had gotten lost in the forest, and that was the end of that. The head of the village was positively smitten, thanking him again and again.

"Please, it was no trouble, this is my job after all, but if anything else happens here, I would be honored to come back and help," Godric smiled beatifically and rode off.

"Well, that wasn't too bad," he mumbled under his breath, and once out of sight of the village, he leant forward, head resting on his horse's neck.

"I'm so screwed."

~~ Six months into the journey~~

"Somehow," Godric thought to himself as he raised his sword and sliced, "This is actually so much easier than dealing with people."

Godric ducked again, and sliced the hat off of the Redcap that was trying to skewer him.

With a quick throw of his hand, Godric knocked two more back, and swiftly erased them as well.

"Three down, how many more to go," Godric groaned, and rolled as a large pike sliced through the air where he once stood.

It honestly hadn't taken that long to get rid of the Redcap infestation, but Godric was waiting outside in the sun letting the caps dry before he burned all of the remains.

He was sitting by the fire, one leg outstretched and another tucked carefully under his chin, when he heard a loud screech and shouts.

Godric launched to his feet, rushing forward, and soon came across a clearing with a large creature raging. Godric began to glance up at the beast, and then swore loudly and ducked to the side.

Making sure to stay out of range he carefully looked up from the ground again, pointedly staring at the scaly body that began to change into feathers around the neck.

He jolted his eyes down again and swore, quickly rolling and moving behind a tree.

A shout caught his attention, and Godric groaned as he saw a group of goblins moving around the edge of the clearing, two laying on the ground dead, and five moving in formation to keep the monster from hurting them.

"IS IT STARING OR TOUCHING?" Godric called out, watching as the lower body of the Cockatrice swiveled towards him.

"STARING! AND TOUCHING!" One of the goblins yelled back, causing Godric to swear even louder.

"By the triple goddess how does a cockatrice get this close to civilization? Why! Why! Cockatrice, come on, Slytherin's book, umm, ROOSTER!" Godric grinned, and then frowned.

"How am I supposed to get a rooster out here?"

Godric sprinted across the clearing, drawing the cockatrice away from the goblins for a moment, "DO YOU HAVE A ROOSTER?"

"WHY WOULD WE HAVE A ROOSTER!" One of the goblins shrieked incredulously.

"Well that didn't work...am I really going to have to try this?" Godric huffed as he ducked under a large scaly claw, and swiftly drew back further, drawing the cockatrice back after him.

Suddenly the cockatrice reared back, it's chest expanding as it filled it's lung sacks.

"Oh...that is bad," Godric swiftly knelt on the ground, dropping his sword to grab a large stick from nearby.

"Please work," Godric shoved his magic into the stick just as a massive bout of flame bowled into him.

The rooster crowed in surprise, but the fire had already reached Godric. He closed his eyes, 'Well, this is one way to go I guess.'

Time seemed to stand still, and yet, there was no heat, no heart stopping terror. Godric slowly opened his eyes, and then laughed with pure overwhelming awe.

He was completely surrounded by scorched and dead grass, even the trees behind him were smoldering. However, starting about half a foot in front of him everything was untouched, including a very scared rooster.

"Magic, it was magic fire, of course," Godric looked quickly over the corpse of the cockatrice before falling back on his butt with a thump.

"Bloody-oh gods that was close," he shook his head, and rose, limbs a tad shaky.

He blinked as he was helped to his feet. The Goblin party had moved around the beast, carefully prodding it with their spears to make sure of it's death.

"I am Iron Tooth," the one at the front of the party spoke, "We thank you for your aid. We did not expect to run into a cockatrice whilst on our journey."

"It is an honor, Iron Tooth, I am Godric Gryffindor. I was in the area killing Red caps when I heard the commotion," Godric gave a bow. 'Remembered my schooling, always be respectful to goblins.'

Iron Tooth nodded, and seemed to command the rest of his group to pick up things that had been scattered around the area.

Godric blinked and walked forward to stand right next to the cockatrice, "I'm actually not sure, can these things kill by touching even after they are dead?"

Iron Tooth looked at him slowly, "Yes, even their glare is still deadly."

Godric hummed, and then with all his Gryffindor courage pat the cockatrice on the head.

Iron Tooth let out a swear, and then stilled as nothing happened.

"Huh, didn't expect it to work like this," Godric muttered, poking and prodding at the beast.

Godric slowly noticed that the clearing had gone deathly silent, and it was only broken by a large crow from the rooster.

Iron Tooth's eyes were wide, and he seemed extremely pale for a goblin.

"...yes?" Godric turned, still patting the cockatrice aimlessly.

"I believe, Mr. Gryffindor, that I have a business proposition for you," Iron Tooth looked at the man.

"I would be honored to speak of it with you, I have a camp a small ways away if you would like to join me?" Godric motioned towards the camp

They moved to the camp quickly and efficiently, two members of the party staying behind to do whatever goblins did for their deceased.

They had gathered around the fire when Iron Tooth spoke again.

"Cockatrice parts are rare, for many reasons of course, the main one being it is nearly impossible to collect pieces without someone dying," the goblin began, "your ability allows you to touch the cockatrice without its adverse side effects, and so I would ask for a trade. You gathering and collecting the cockatrice's eyes and scales, and we will recompense you for it."

Godric nodded to himself for a moment mind slowly going over the deal, when a memory flitted through his mind, "I have no need for money but..." he trailed off and looked up, "forgive me for my presumptions, but I have heard that goblins are by far the best crafters of all kinds."

Iron Tooth nodded slowly, waiting for Godric to continue.

"As you may have noticed, I do not have a want as other wizards do, it has to do with the ability to stop the cockatrice's effects. One way to negate this is to make an item and imbue my magic into it during the creation." Godric trailed off at the raised brow of the goblin.

"You are asking us in exchange for the cockatrice parts, to make you something?" The eyes narrowed.

Godric hummed, "If possible, to help me make a sword." Godric moved around and found the pouch of rubies, upending it in his hand, "with these in it as well."

The goblin's eyes grew wide as he stared at the gems, "Do you know what those are?"

Godric blinked, "They store and transfer magical energy, though I do not know the exact name."

All of the goblins stared at the gems in awe not even able to wipe the surprise from their faces, and Iron Tooth spoke quickly, "I will agree to this deal, if in addition to the cockatrice parts, we are given two of those gemstones as well."

Godric hummed, "I agree to this condition, however, the gemstones will be handed over after the forging, in case anything happens to the others during it."

"Acceptable," the goblin spoke quickly.

~~.~~

It hadn't taken long to collect the pieces of the cockatrice and store them in small enchanted bags for the goblins. After they were collected, and the bodies burned, Iron Tooth began to lead the group to the west.

"You must be careful human," one of the goblins nearest to him spoke, "We are allowing you entry into our city, and even though you are here for a trade you may still be killed."

"I will do my best to not incite a cause, as well as swear if necessary to never tell where this city is," Godric spoke solemnly.

The goblin nodded cautiously.

They reach a stone outcropping by nightfall, and Godric watches in awe as Iron Tooth scratched his finger over a boulder and it split in half.

"That is amazing," Godric stared in awe as the enter a beautifully carved stone path down into the bowels of the earth.

"Of course it is," Iron Tooth replied, leading the way.

It took them half an hour to reach a large opening, and what Godric saw took his breath away.

Large pillars, delicately carved with intricate patterns rise from the earth, so far below that he isn't even sure that he can see where they started. They were covered in gems of all kinds, and smothered with metals of all colors. Houses line the area, some made of the natural rocks of the cavern, others obviously brought in from elsewhere. Large white and black marble structures. Huge statues made with blinding green stone, massive blue monoliths scattered with white veins.

"This is the most beautiful place I have had the honour of seeing in my entire life," Godric breathed out, not even noticing the smug looks on the goblin's faces.

"This is the third largest goblin nation," Iron Tooth spoke, pride obvious in his voice.

"It is, stunning," Godric kept looking around in awe, until a large patrol of heavily armed soldier rushed up towards them.

"Sire! We are glad to see you arrived without incident," One outfitted more smartly then the others spoke, and Godric paled as Iron Tooth replies.

"Oh there were incidents, however they are no longer a problem, this way," Iron Tooth lead the group, the newcomers looking at Godric fiercely, towards the center of town.

'...sire? Oh shit.' Godric paled, and one of the goblins near him chuckled, obviously knowing why he looked so nervous.

They enter the largest building in the center of the town, carved from a sparkling purple crystalline gemstone of some kind, winding it's way up the cavern and branching higher and higher.

Iron Tooth moves forward and takes a seat on the throne, nearly causing Godric to pass out.

"Send for the head smith, I have need of him," Iron Tooth waves his hand, and a goblin quickly leaves to follow his orders.

"The head smith will be the one to help you with your weapon," Iron Tooth nodded at Godric, who was trying not to have his mouth hanging open.

With a quick breath, Godric bowed low, "Thank you, your majesty."

Iron Tooth nodded, a slight smirk on his lips, and soon Godric found himself moving away with the head smith towards a different large building.

The head smith was twice as tall as Iron Tooth, and more muscled than any one Godric had ever met. He had scars and burns wrapped around his body, but seemed completely at home with the hot fires the forges were putting out.

"I heard from his Majesty about this weapon, let me see those gems of yours," the goblin grunted, and Godric carefully poured the gems into a large stone tray.

The goblin's eyes gained a starry look, "Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous."

He picked up four of them, and peered at them through multiple different crystal discs of some kind, weighing them, and balancing them.

"These ones will do," he said at last, handing them back to Godric.

"Fill those with your magic, then we can get started," the goblin huffed, and disappeared into the bowels of the workshop.

Godric shrugged, and began to fill the gems, focusing intently. After a few moments, and a loud noise coming from the workshop, the head smith returned with a large package of something wrapped in leather. He was holding it delicately in his hands.

"I don't know what you did to deserve this, but what Sire says goes," the smith mumbled and carefully opened the package to show the most stunning metal Godric had ever seen.

"What is that?" Godric stared at the metal with awe.

"Don't have a name for it in human tongue," the goblin muttered, "Cold iron mixed with..." the goblin started muttering in Gobbledegook, "Star metal? Bah, very rare, very powerful."

"I thought cold iron blocked magic," Godric looked down at the metal, noticing the swirling patterns in it.

"Well you do to, don't you?"

Godric did have to smile at that, "Yes, indeed."

"Then you match," the goblin shrugged, and then let out a long sigh.

"Listen kid, I'm going to do the forging, you are going to be focusing your magic on the fires, and when I tell you the metal, got it? You are not smith and we do things my way."

"Of course," Godric nodded, eager to see what was going to happen.

"Humans," the goblin began muttering again, with a touch of distaste.

"Kid, I'm setting up a fire, when I tell you, you keep it where it is at, put your magic in it," the goblin huffed, and Godric nodded.

Godric watched in awe as the goblin began setting everything up, and then finally turned to the flame. Huge bellows forced the massive forge to roar with fire. EVen from where Godric was sitting he was sweating heavily from the heat.

"Keep it like this," the goblin spoke. Godric nodded and focused his magic on the fire and lost himself to the flames.

An indiscernible amount of time later a voice woke Godric from his stupor, "The blade kid, the blade!"

Godric blinked his eyes drowsily, but almost automatically, his magic stretched out into something new. He gasped as he felt his magic surround and seep into the metal, eagerly melding with it. He felt completely disconnected, and if he was physically aware, would have realized his body was bent almost double, after having toppled over.

A small hand shook his shoulder, and Godric slowly looked up with bleary eyes.

"Good job, stop now," a voice spoke from far down a tunnel, but Godric nodded, and collapsed completely as his magic released itself.

~~.~~

Godric woke slowly, his entire body aching with fatigue. He blinked his eyes and blurrily took in his surroundings.

He was laid out on a luxurious bed, in a room carved of pure white marble with bronze and gold gilded accents. A window to his right looked out upon the goblin city, and Godric slowly heaved himself up. As he was about to move towards the window, he saw a box laid out on the table that was near the foot of his bed. Moving closer, he saw a small pouch, which (with a quick look inside) was filled with his remaining gems. Godric then switched his attention to the long, beautifully carved box, and with gentle hands slowly opened it.

The sword inside was the most beautiful thing Godric had seen in his entire life. The pommel was made of the largest of the gems, and surrounded by a golden material, most likely copper or bronze, but was shining in a way he had never seen. On the very tip of the pommel was another, smaller gem, and the casting around it was intricately carved with celtic knots and beautiful patterns that rippled down into the hilt. Godric gaped at the hilt itself, recognizing the scale and leather that was bound it as a small amount of the items he had taken from the cockatrice. The cross guard was made of the same material as the pommel, with two more gems set on each branch. Multiple small rubies adorned the cross guard as well, adding a sense of decadence to the already stunning blade. Godric then turned to the blade itself, and carefully ran his hand over the length. He then gripped the sword up and raised it in front of him, deliriously happy with the weight. He moved carefully and swung it in front of him, almost jumping up and down with delight. He lowered his arm and looked into the box to look at the last item, a sheath made of dark leather, with beautiful red etching and highlights, and laughed as he saw that a large griffin had been etched into it.

With care, Godric slid his sword into the sheath, and then attached it to his belt. He left the room and looked around for a moment, before a guard moved up to him and directed him down the hallway to his left. He entered into a large room, with cushions and couches and chairs aplenty. Seating near a large table were Iron Tooth, and the Head Smith.

"Good you are awake," the smith spoke gruffly.

Godric gave a low bow, "I am sorry about that, I hadn't realized how much magic I was pushing into the sword. And may I say that it is by far the most beautiful piece I have ever seen in my life, the sheath and hilt only add to it's stunning grace."

The head smith huffed, and looked away, but Godric could swear he was blushing, "A blade as good as that deserves the best."

Godric smiled, his hand resting on the sheath, and then turned to Iron Tooth, "I...I believe I am unable to thank you for this gift, if the goblin nation ever has need of any assistance, I am duty bound to assist, for I was not expecting such a priceless exchange."

Iron Tooth thought for a moment, and nodded solemnly, "Let it be known that Godric Gryffindor is goblin friend. As such, he will be treated with respect by all goblins, and it will be his duty to help if he finds a goblin in need."

Godric had knelt at the beginning of the speech, and stood, once more going into a low bow.

He left the goblin nation soon after, sighing in quite relief at the sight of the sun. The place was stunning, but it was nice to see the open sky over his head once again.

He moved a ways away into the forest, and carefully pulled out the blade.

"First thing first," and Godric carefully moved his magic over the hilt, nullifying the effects of the cockatrice leather.

"Alright, now that it won't outright murder anyone," Godric nodded to himself, and carefully lifted the blade, and with a slash, cast a cutting curse.

Godric nearly tripped over his feet and fell when he saw the immediate effect. Every tree within the twenty meter cone in front of him slowly slid, and fell to the ground, the cut having gone straight through all of them.

"Ooh," Godric's mouth opened and closed like a fish, and he could hear his mother telling him he looked like an idiot.

A large smile split over Godric's face, as he glanced from the surroundings back to his sword.

"Oh, wow," Godric beamed, and actually did start jumping up and down across the (now) clearing.

~~.~~.~~.~~

It had been over two years since Godric had left his family home to go on his coming of age quest. He exhaled slowly as he came across the front gates, a small smile on his face.

He had grown during that time, and was now sporting a small beard, and had grown another two inches. He hummed quietly to himself as he dismounted, and carefully moved Hildred towards the stables.

"Lord Godric!" a servant shouted from nearby, and Godric frowned.

"Lord?" Godric voiced, and the servant appeared, proving to be the Steward.

"I see..." the Steward closed his eyes, "None of the couriers reached you then."

"Couriers? No, I haven't heard anything...did something happen?" Godric allowed for one of the stable hands to take Hildred, as his whole attention was on the man in front of him.

The Steward took a breath, "My Lord...the previous Lord and Lady were found dead two months ago."

Godric blinked once, then again, "Excuse me, could you repeat that, I swore..."

"Please, sir, let's move inside," the Steward gently lead Godric inside, and Godric found himself sitting on one of the couches in the lounge, not noticing as tea was served up in front of him.

"What happened?" Godric ignored the food and drink, and the Steward grimaced.

"I am not certain, my Lord, but two months ago we found the previous Lord Gryffindor dead in his room, with what seemed to be..." the Steward's voice moved to a whisper, "magical blast marks on the walls...and when we went to look for Lady Gryffindor..."

The Steward's face pinched.

"What? What happened to Mother?"

"She...seemed to have hanged herself," the steward spoke so quietly that Godric could pretend he hadn't heard what he did.

Almost.

"No, she would never, why would she?" Godric took a deep breath of air.

"That isn't possible, I, did someone look into it?"

"No, My Lord...because of the...magical situation and the fact that whoever attacked your father did it from inside the house, we have been keeping it a secret from most. Sir Roderick as well as some of the other magic hunters know, and have been trying to find out who did it...but they have not succeeded."

Godric nodded, and took a sip from his tea. He stared blankly ahead, and then slowly rose, "I...I believe I am going to...put my things down, then I will...look into this matter as well."

The Steward hastily nodded, and Godric slowly moved back up to his childhood room.

He opened the door slowly and dropped his packs on the ground, propping the sheathed sword against the wall. He made it halfway to his bed before his knees collapsed underneath him. His shoulders were shaking, and black was creeping in from the edges of his vision. He started taking slow controlled breaths, and let his head land on the floor as he tried to control his reaction.

He wasn't sure how long he knelt there, but the windows had long grown dark by the time he slowly levered himself up.

He carefully walked over the rest of the way to the bed, but stopped as he noticed a charmed letter sitting on his desk.

He quickly stumbled over, and cancelled the charm that was applied, apparently one to make people not notice it, and held back a gulp when he saw his mother's familiar handwriting on the front.

Godric

Godric fell back onto the bed, and carefully opened the envelope.

To My Dearest Son,

I am so sorry, Godric, so, so very sorry. I don't know when you will return, or how you will hear about this, but if you remember one thing, please let it be that I am sorry.

I am penning this letter to you after...after something horrible occurred. Your father found out that I had magic, and correctly guessed that you had it as well. He was about to send a group of men out to hunt you down and kill you, and I couldn't let that happen.

I am to blame here Godric, I had to keep you from that, to keep us all safe.

I killed him.

And, I can't live with myself, after having done that. He was the love of my life, and you are grown and oh so wonderful. I have heard tales-both from magicals and non magicals, of what you have done, and you are beyond perfect.

I can't live without him, and I am so sorry, Godric, Son, that I will be leaving you alone.

I love you.

Lillian Gryffindor

Godric stared at the tear stained, smudged paper, and then crinkled it in his hand. He crumbled it into his fist, and then threw it towards the wall.

Two hours later, Godric carefully picked up the letter, and laid it on his desk with shaking hands. He carefully folded the letter up, and put it away.

~~.~~

"Come on Godric, you have been stuck here forever, you need to get out into the world again while you are still young!" Sir Roderick bemoaned, and Godric shrugged slightly.

"I've been busy, there hasn't been time besides the ones that actually sent in letters for my attention," Godric spoke, not looking up from the papers he was shuffling through.

"That is it!" Sir Roderick threw his hand down in the middle of the papers, forcing Godric to look up at him.

"Grab your stuff, I have heard news of a possible magic user down south. It is a one day journey. You are not staying cooped up in this house do you hear me?"

Godric blinked.

"DO YOU HEAR ME?!"

"Yes," Godric leaned back and got up, moving away from the crazy man, "Yes, I'll...go get my stuff."

"Good," Roderick huffed, and nodded, leaving the room.

Godric shook his head, and went to gather items that would be necessary. It would be a lot more difficult this time, as Godric had never gone out with another knights, and he would have to hide his magic.

"No expanding packs, no random magical saves, definitely no interacting with magical people," Godric sighed, "What am I going to do?"

Godric finished packing at dinner, and they soon were off with the high sun light.

"Is it true you killed a basilisk?" Roderick spoke after a short while, and Godric looked up, confused.

"No? I killed a cockatrice though, that was...unpleasant. I did get my sword out of it, though."

Roderick stared at him with wide eyes, "A-a cockatrice!" His voice became shrill at the end.

"Yes? I was hunting red caps-"

"You fought a cockatrice! How old were you! Why didn't you tell anyone I thought that that the basilisk thing was just a rumor!"

"Oh..nearly, eighteen I believe? And why does it matter so much?" Godric blinked lazily at the man across from him.

"Godric," Roderick spoke slowly, "No one kills a cockatrice by themselves. NO. ONE. They see it, usually die, and then eventually someone comes back and then an entire encampment goes out to kill it."

"Oh, huh..."

"How did you kill it?" Roderick nearly had his face in his hands.

"I had a rooster," Godric felt a small smile nearly creep onto his face, for the first time in a year.

"You had a rooster," Roderick looked at him as though he wanted to punch him, "Why did you have a rooster?"

"In case I ran into a cockatrice Roderick, please keep up," Godric grinned, and Roderick's head slammed into his saddle horn.

"Oh lord how, how do you even exist," Roderick moaned, causing Godric to snicker.

"Well, Roderick when a man and a woman-"

"Don't you dare you little brat!" Roderick glowered at him, "I AM THE ONE WHO HAD TO GIVE YOU THAT TALK IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

Godric sat back in his saddle, laughing hysterically, and once he calmed himself, looked over at the smug look on Roderick's face.

"What?"

"I told you so," Roderick smirked, "Just two hours out of that place and I got you to laugh."

Godric smiled, "Fine, you were right just this once," the smile turned into the frown, "But not about that hat you idiot."

Roderick was the one who broke into laughter this time, and started crying when he saw Godric actually take it out of his pack.

"Why, why did you bring that!" Roderick exclaimed between breaths.

Godric shrugged, "Good luck charm, survived so far didn't I?"

Roderick shook his head, still chuckling occasionally as they rode on.

~~.~~

They rode on until the night started to encroach into the sky, and set up a small camp on the side of the path.

Godric quickly set up a line of salt around the camp, and Roderick set up a cold iron stakes in each corner.

They had a small dinner, and were readying up their tent, when Godric felt a shiver go down his spine.

He slowly looked over his shoulder, and turned to stand, hand falling to his sword. Roderick reacted immediately, and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.

A figure stood just outside their salt line, large gray cloak billowing in an unseen wind.

"Who are you?" Godric said, stepping forward with care.

In response the woman threw the hood off of her face.

And screamed.

Godric swore, and moved back again, face paling at the sight of the wailing woman before him.

And as suddenly as she came, she disappeared into the murky darkness.

"Godric," Roderick spoke quietly, and Godric just nodded.

"Godric...that was a banshee," Roderick closed his eyes, face tense.

"...yes it was," Godric swallowed, and moved over to the fire, face pale and drawn.

Roderick swore lightly and sat down in a pile of limbs next to him.

"...care to tell me more about what we are hunting?" Godric spoke quietly, his heart still beating far too fast.

"...people have been disappearing from their beds, sometimes kids will just disappear from the fields as well once night hits. Some people have said they hear shuffling, and someone speaking. And I heard...one person talking about claw marks that had gouged into a stone house..." Roderick sighed lowly.

"...and now banshee has come, foretelling someone's death," Godric looked out into the darkness, and then his eyes widened even more.

"Roderick...I believe we may be surrounded by barghests," Godric spoke slowly.

Roderick looked up his eyes wide, and then closed them in defeat, "Well, never mind about this being a fun journey to get you back on your feet."

"They can't get in, we are fine, and this just means we have to go," Godric looked over at him, and Roderick nodded, fierce determination filling his face.

"Yes, with all of these signs, whatever is plaguing that village must be dealt with."

"Go get some sleep, I will take the first shift," Godric motioned back to the tent, and Roderick rolled his eyes, but did go to sleep soon after.

~~.~~

Godric and Roderick switched watch, and when Godric awoke they had a light meal, and set off towards the town at a quick pace.

They reached it by midmorning, and Godric could feel the anxiety of the townsfolk as they stayed near their houses, not even daring to approach the strangers who entered their town.

Godric swiftly dismounted, and tied his horse to a small tree near the middle of town, Roderick following closely behind.

"Excuse me sir," Godric stayed a distance away from one of the townspeople, "We heard about the situation that was occurring here, and would like to know if you have any information."

"You hunters?" the man spoke, not moving from his place near his house.

"Yes," Roderick spoke, "This is Godric Gryffindor, and I am Roderick Keaton."

The man blinked, and gave out a small sigh, tension easing a little from his frame, "Ah, I have heard of you both My Lords, I don't know much, but the wise woman knows, she can tell ya."

The man pointed down the lane, and Godric and Roderick both followed the direction until they came across a small hut near the edge, the flat plains going off into the distance.

Godric knocked lightly on the door, and a voice bade them to enter. The two had to stoop there heads a bit to not hit the frame.

An old woman sat in front of a small fire, heating a small pot. Bundles of herbs hung from the ceiling. A small dog was sleeping on the bed, legs twitching as it ran after something in it's dreams.

"You here about the hag?" the woman spoke, voice rough with age.

"Hag? You already know what it is?" Godric blinked.

"Yes," Roderick nodded, the woman gestured for them to sit.

"Seen it before, when I was a child," the woman stirred the pot in front of her,"Parents used to tell us, 'beware of Black Annis, she'll skin ya alive if ya stay out late."

Godric blinked, "Black Annis..." He grit his teeth.

"That...would explain a lot," Roderick shook his head.

"It happened when you were a child, what made the events stop?" Godric questioned, and the woman shook her head.

"Nothing, I expect it got full."

Godric breathed out slowly, "And now it is hungry again...do you have any idea where it is? A large boulder nearby, or perhaps a dead tree?"

"Aye, there is one, down the field a ways. Old dead tree next to a dried up riverbank," the woman pointed in the direction.

"Thank you for the information," Roderick gave her a polite bow, which Godric copied.

The woman just shook her head, looking at the two with pitying eyes.

They moved outside in tandem, looking over at the area where the Black Annis was said to live.

"Do you know how to kill it?" Roderick spoke.

Godric shrugged, "Chop off it's head and burn the remains?"

"Isn't Black Annis a witch who went...too far? Can we even kill her? I thought she was just a myth?" Roderick scrubbed a hand through his hair.

"We need to check out the lair, and be ready for anything," Godric moved back to his pack, cinching it around his waist, and gathered everything he might need.

He and Roderick moved quickly across the field, walking as quietly as they could. Roderick was in front, Godric behind, and they carefully found their way to the dry river bed.

"Do you see any trees?" Godric spoke quietly, and Roderick shook his head. They moved together, and Godric followed closely behind Roderick.

It was nearly midday when Godric stopped moving, a horrible feeling making the hairs on his neck stand up straight. He slowly looked over his shoulder, and met a horrifying face of a pale decaying blue with bright red eyes.

Then he let out a scream as he felt something plunge through his back into his gut, causing him to fall forward with a cry of agony.

"GODRIC!" Roderick turned and swung as Godric fell, nearly hitting the crone in the face, but she moved quickly out of the way.

Godric breathed, clenching his teeth as he felt the pain with every breath.

He looked up eyes, bleary, and saw Roderick and the crone fighting.

And Roderick was losing.

Roderick blocked one long disproportionate, clawed arm, but the other was raised high, and Godric knew it wouldn't miss.

So he did the only thing he could.

A cutting curse flew through the arm, severing the arm just over the elbow, causing the witch to scream in agony.

Roderick froze in place, eyes almost darting to Godric, before he moved back and swiftly chopped off the woman's head.

The field went far to quiet, and Godric staggered to his feet, stumbling back, unable to stop the flow of blood down his back.

"What did you just do, Godric?" Roderick's face was completely blank.

Godric didn't reply and moved to the side as Roderick approached him, moving around the other man.

"Because I will tell you what I just saw, and I swear...I swear you waved your sword and then her arm flew off, but that shouldn't be possible, because there is no way a GRYFFINDOR has magic!" Roderick shouted the last part, making Godric flinch.

Godric didn't respond, and didn't even look Roderick in the face.

A sword suddenly pushed up under his chin resting just above his jugular.

"Please explain this to me Godric," Roderick spoke.

"I have magic," Godric whispered, and watched as Roderick's face turned black with hatred.

That isn't possible!" Roderick moved forward, making Godric take another step back.

"Mother had magic, I got it from her," Godric spoke quietly, sweat and blood pouring down his tunic.

"So what, you have been lying to us all along? You've been helping these...these devil creatures!" Roderick spat, and Godric tried to shake his head, but swiftly remembered the sword at his neck.

"No, I killed the creatures that were dangerous, that is my job I didn't betray you," Godric blinked as Roderick moved a step back.

"Draw your sword," the other man growled.

"No," Godric spoke quietly looking his...previous...friend straight in the eye.

"Godric Gryffindor, you have been found to be a user of black magics, and have been sentenced to death. Now draw your sword."

Godric stood where he was, sword still hung limply by his side.

He closed his eyes, and breathed out a slow breath.

A force suddenly tackled him, and an unworldly shriek rose in the air, followed by a pained breath.

Godric opened his eyes, and grabbed at Roderick, who was falling to the ground with a gaping wound straight through his chest.

Godric turned and nearly barfed at the sight next to him. The headless, one armed crone was standing on two legs, it's hand covered in gore.

Reacting quickly, Godric reached out and grabbed the creature's stump arm.

And nullified it.

A scream came from the decapitated head as the entire figure began to shrivel and shrink, collapsing in on itself until all that was left was dust.

Godric breathed out, and then groaned as Roderick's weight and blood loss forced him to the ground.

"Roderick?" Godric spoke, brokenly.

Roderick was breathing wetly, blood dripping down his face.

"Roderick...why?" Godric wasn't surprised to feel tears dripping down his face, and they landed on Roderick's soiled tunic.

Roderick blinked, eyes trying to focus, but seeming unable to.

"Stupid...little brother," Roderick groaned out, before his eyes nearly closed.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, please, please Roderick," Godric cried, holding his friend closer.

"I...I don't...forgive you," Roderick whispered into the afternoon sun, and then collapsed back, his breath stopped forever.

Godric wasn't sure how long he sat there, the sun beating down on his back and head, holding Roderick tightly in his grasp.

A small sound made him slowly look up, and he didn't even react as he saw the same banshee as before standing above him.

Godric stared at the sidhe blankly, and blinked slowly as a long, slim hand carefully grabbed his arm, pulling him up with surprising strength. Godric had Roderick half pulled up with him, and the banshee waved her hand, and Roderick was suddenly feather light.

Godric wasn't sure what happened after that point, but when he could think again he found himself just outside the edge of the village, Roderick back to his normal weight, and the fae woman nowhere in sight.

Godric barely made it into the village before he was surrounded by people shouting and moving around.

He got his eyes to focus on one familiar face, the old woman from before.

"It's dead," he managed to slur out, before finally succumbing to unconscious.

~~.~~

Godric woke slowly, and stared at the crumbling roof above him.

"Good, you are awake, drink," a voice spoke from somewhere nearby, and Godric huffed as something was pushed in front of his face.

He carefully grabbed it, and drank it down, making a face at the taste.

He looked over at the old woman, and nodded in thanks.

"We sent some men down to the river to check...they found the remains of the missing villagers nearby," the woman spoke quietly.

Godric nodded, blinking his eyes a bit, and a frown furrowed over his face.

"How long have I been asleep?" Godric asked.

"Less then a day," the woman replied.

"I...I believe I should be in a lot more pain than this, and I probably shouldn't be able to move..." Godric slowly turned his back.

"I am very good at my job, young man," the woman, smirked, and Godric's eyes widened, before he nodded.

"Thank you...I...do you know what happened to my friends...body?" Godric asked.

The woman sighed, "It was burned, in this sun it would have rotted in a day, I'm sorry."

Godric shook his head and carefully got to his feet, "No, that is...what we usually do. So no one can bring us back."

"Ah," the woman nodded, and then carefully placed a package in Godric's hand.

"The ashes," she said without prompting, and Godric nodded solemnly.

"Thank you for healing me," Godric gave a short bow, and headed to the door.

~~.~~

The ride home was quiet, there was no one else on the road, and Godric rode silently, Roderick's empty saddle next to him filling the road with a sad note.

Godric made it back to his home, and penned out a message for the other witch hunters to know that Roderick had died a noble death, protecting a friend from the Black Annis.

He finally sat back down on his bed, staring out into the the night. He stayed awake and blinked quietly from his thoughts as a rooster crowed in the distance.

Godric rose from his bed, and soon began to pack away everything he would need.

He spoke to the steward, and then mounted his horse once more.

He had work to do.

~~.~~.~~.~~.~~

Four years had passed since the incident with the Black Annis, and the Gryffindor name was now the most well known when anyone was having problems with magical creatures. People knew it far and wide, and it was said that he traveled the lands, never stopping, always searching through forests and bogs to get rid of dangerous creatures.

For the magicals, he was known for that, as well as being the best way to keep everyone safe. If a wizard or witch was found, the non magicals would usually call Godric to kill them, and he would make this big noise of taking the tainted being away from the villages so that they wouldn't be cursed.

Then he would harangue the person for getting caught, help them with a disguise, and send them to a new village.

Godric did what he must, and that was it...until one day a group of bandits thought that he would be an easy target.

~~.~~

Godric ducked under a sloppy hatchet blow, and sliced his sword forward. The bandit in front of him screamed as the blade tore through ligament and muscle, then let out a gurgle and went slack, falling to the ground in a heap. Godric pivoted on his feet and blocked another blow, twisting to move around his opponent. He smacked the man with his shield, and swiftly chopped off his head. He turned once more, focusing on the third bandit when he heard a grunt from behind him. Cursing, he tried to whirl around to block an attack to the back, when a sharp high noise punctuated the area. It was followed by a squelch, and then a thud.

Godric quickly finished off the last bandit, and turned around. The bandit that had been sneaking up behind him was twitching on the ground, a dagger sticking out of his eye socket, and foam lingering at the corners of his mouth.

Godric whistled, and looked around, "Nice throw!"

He heard a scoff coming from a nearby tree, and his eyebrows raised as he saw some kid jump down and land lightly in his feet.

The kid was a skinny little thing, pale, with long black hair held back in a messy pony tail. He had no facial hair, and a scowl was on his lips. His eyes were the brightest green that Godric had ever seen, and he had one eyebrow raised with a derisive sort of look. He was wearing a long brown leather coat, done up with clasps along the left side down to his belt. From what Godric could see, there were pouches all along the coat, and it had long sleeves that nearly covered the end of the kid's fingers. He was wearing leather gloves as well, which seemed to have metal clinched on the fingertips. Underneath the coat, Godric could see a rich green tunic, and black trousers.

"Please, that was a simple throw," the teen spoke, trudging forward with his eyes focused on Godric. He stooped down on the other side of the body, and quickly snagged the knife and slipped it into his sleeve.

Godric shrugged, a bright smile crossed his face, "If you say so, but thanks all the same, that wouldn't have hurt to bad, but would have been annoying. I'm Godric Gryffindor." Godric held out his hand for a shake, but the teen had paled when he spoke his name, and stepped back sharply.

The eyes had narrowed, and Godric tilted his head at the sudden tension...which didn't make sense...unless...

"OH!" Godric smiled even wider, and the teen stared at him, "No, no, no worries! Watch!"

Godric then pulled out his sword, causing the teen to move even further back.

"No, don't worry, watch!" Godric gave a small twist of the blade, and a cutting curse went across the meadow, trimming the weeds as it went.

"Wh-what?" the teen stared blankly, but quickly masked his expression, a questioning look filled his eyes, "But, you are a Gryffindor...isn't that the family most well known for hunting magic?"

Godric shrugged, and smiled, amused at how the teen scowled.

The teen raised an eyebrow again, "If you have magic, why didn't you use it to incapacitate those bandits, it would have taken you much less time."

Godric shrugged easily, "That isn't really fair is it? And this way was more fun!"

The boy's eye twitched, and Godric swore he heard a mutter of "oaf".

"I told you my name, what is yours?" Godric continued, beaming.

"...Salazar Slytherin," the supposedly dead heir of the Noble Slytherin family spoke.

Godric's mouth dropped, "Weren't you killed in the fire?"

The teen opposite him smirked, "and aren't Gryffindors merciless magic killers?"

Okay, he could give the teen that one.

"How..." Godric trailed off when he saw the look of annoyance tempered with nervousness.

The lost Slytherin heir. Godric almost smiled, this kid, his family, had been the ones to give Godric the push to save people with his talents. To help hide magicals from non-magicals and to do all he could to protect as many people as possible. And this little twit was alive!

Apparently, he had started beaming again, and the kid leaned back with a tense line on his shoulders.

Godric blinked, "So wait, did you use magic then? I didn't feel anything?"

Salazar snorted, "For something like this? Of course not, I simply threw a knife."

"With poison on it, homemade?" Godric questioned with amusement.

"Yes, well..." Salazar waved a hand, and then crossed his arms over his chest, staring at Godric.

"So you are good at potions then? I never studied them as a child, had to hide that I was magic you see, and all the ingredients and things for potions are a bit obvious," Godric continued, and hid a smirk at the interest that lighted the teen's eyes.

"What do you know then?"

"Dueling, both magical and non magical, and Transfiguration are my best. I know some basic charms and such as well, just everyday things, my mother taught them to me while I was growing up. What about you?"

Salazar's face blanked for a moment, and he stared straight into Godric's eyes. He blinked, and then seemed to nod to himself, "I...am mostly self taught, as my family was killed when I was six. As all of the Slytherin line, I am a Parselmouth-"

"A what?"

"I can talk to snakes," Salazar raised an eyebrow, and Godric gestured dramatically for him to continue, making the kid roll his eyes, " They were able to teach me about potions and poisons. I...learned about runes and am quite good with them, as well as healing."

"And knives, " Godric pointed out, and a small smile flitted around Salazar's lips.

"Yes, and knives."

Godric smiled again, noticing that the teen had relaxed a bit, "What are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere anyway? Oh great and noble heir of the Slytherin line?"

That actually did cause the kid to smile, then give a noble sniff as he raised his chin, giving him an air of disdain.

"I shall have you know that I was looking for herbs in the area, then heard a right raucous coming from the glenn."

"So you in all of your honorable curiosity decided to climb a tree and take a look," Godric wasn't even covering his laughter.

"Exactly," Salazar nodded, and then looked around, "What are you doing here?"

Godric shrugged, "Hunting bandits, heard of a possible group of Sluagh, thought I would take a look. Have you heard of any?"

Salazar grimaced, "No, but it would not be good of them to be here..." The kid then looked up in the sky and grimaced, as he saw that the sun was beginning to set.

"You have a camp set up kid?" Godric gestured with his hand at the surroundings.

The kid shrugged, causing Godric to roll his eyes.

"Well, come on then. I have one set up a little ways away, near the river, more than enough room for you to stay there as well."

And the kid was back to staring at him, but had a touch of surprise in his eyes.

"...well, if you insist it would be rude of me to refuse," Salazar responded.

Godric rolled his eyes, but smiled, "Come on then."

And he began to lead his way back to his camp.

~~.~~

"This...this is..." Godric stared at the bowl of soup, his spoon trembling in his hand.

Salazar looked up, concern on his face, "...I...it should be fine, does it taste fine?"

"Fine? FINE?" Godric yelled into the night, "This is delicious!"

Salazar slumped, forward, his head nearly cracking on the cooking pot, altogether missing Godric's wide smile at making him react again.

Godric could hear the kid swearing under his breath, some kind of combination of a list of swear words and hisses.

It was actually quite impressive, even if he didn't know what the kid was saying.

"How'd you learn to cook?" Godric grinned and took another sip.

"Necessity," Salazar mumbled, his eyes downcast. He fidgeted, and then leaned back, seemingly staring at Godric out of the corner of his eye.

Godric finished the soup, and smiled at Salazar, "Here, I can clean up, since you cooked."

Godric waved his hand over the fire, and the empty pot was cleaned, the plates cleaned and stacked and then everything was put away into an expandable bag.

Salazar made a sharp noise, and Godric looked over at him.

The teen was leaning over, his eyes bright, "What spell did you use?"

Godric blinked, "Just a basic cleaning spell, 'scourgify' tempered with a levitation spell...the most basic version is 'alohomora.'"

Salazar nodded, his fingers twitching.

"You...you never learned any of the basic spells?" Godric spoke, and watched as Salazar frowned.

"No...I've never had the time..." He shrugged, seeming to be nonchalant.

Godric looked at him, and then his face slowly turned into a maniacal grin, "Ohohoho, well then!"

Salazar began to lean back as Godric jumped to his feet, drawing his sword and raising it skyward.

"Then it is my duty to teach you these basics, and as such, we shall travel together-

"Please no" deadpanned Salazar.

"A joyous companionship between two-"

"Go away" a pleading tone entered his voice.

"And together, we shall lead the world into a new order!"

"Wait...what?"

"And through the basic spells of color change and making things emit loud squeaks-"

"Téigh trasna ort féin!" Salazar swore, but Godric saw a smile sprout over his face before he turned away.

Godric laughed, and the two set up the camp for the night.

Salazar walked around the camp, his hands drawing strange symbols in the air.

"What are you doing?" Godric followed him around, staying at pace behind him.

"Setting up wards for the night," The kid spoke, barely paying attention.

Godric's eyes widened, looking around at the circular map of the camp they were taking.

"That...is seriously impressive, I've never heard of any one who could do this, I mean, usually you have to write it down at least!"

The kid made a sort of shuffling sound, and Godric knew if he could see his face that he would be beet red.

Godric smiled, and then they both headed to their respective sleep cots.

~~.~~

The first thing Godric would like for everyone to know about Salazar Slytherin is that he is a little shit.

After a few tense days of the kid being constantly wary around him, he had relaxed a bit. Which should have made Godric happy that the kid had finally calmed down, but apparently calm was equivalent to sarcastic asshole in Salazar speak.

Godric would be lying if he said he didn't find it hysterical.

The kid looked and acted like a posh spoiled noble's child half the time, and the other half Godric would swear the kid had grown up in a back alley. Even Godric got red faced at some of the phrases that came out of the brat's mouth.

"So why are you travelling around like this all the time, I mean, don't you have a family to go back to?" Salazar asked one day, and Godric shrugged, "Nah, they all died years ago, there isn't anything left for me to go back to. What about you? You got a girl tucked away wherever home is?"

Salazar nodded dryly, "Several actually, it is quite a hassle to be with all of them at once, which is why I decided to go on a trip."

Godric coughed, and began choking.

Salazar smirked at him, and then the smirk turned into an actual smile, " I somehow manage to find kids who have magic quite often, and usually they don't have parents to look out for them, so I have an estate where they usually stay. It gets quite rowdy sometimes, which is when I usually go on trips to collect items for my potions."

Godric blinked in complete surprise, "huh...but isn't it dangerous leaving a bunch of kids alone like that?"

Salazar shrugged and looked away, "They lived on the streets for most of their lives, they don't need anyone babying them. They can take care of themselves. I just help them hide their magic."

Godric smiled lightly, and laughed as Salazar blushed.

"You might be a brat, but you're a good kid," Godric patted Salazar's head fondly, causing him to hiss like his favorite animal.

"Get off!" Salazar struggled for a moment, then with a wave of his hands Godric found himself frozen in place as the kid stomped away.

"Why don't you have a wand?" Godric asked one night as he was showing Salazar how to do some basic charm work.

"Why don't you?" Salazar bantered back.

"My magic doesn't work well with most implements, it is a trait of my family to be able to nullify magic. So I have to find something very specific for it to actually work," Godric said plainly.

Salazar blinked, and stared at the man as if he had two heads.

"And you?" Godric motioned at him.

Salazar hunched a bit, then spoke to his boots, "I...didn't know where or how to get one...so some friends helped me make my gloves," he wiggled his fingers, pushing back his coat so Godric could see them for the first time.

They were made of some kind of black snake skin (go figure) and had bronze or copper plating that went from just under his elbows in plates, then over his wrist and palm, as well as the back of his hand. The metal didn't cover the the fingers, but there was a small amount placed over the tip of each one.

"May I?" Godric motioned towards the gloves, and when Salazar nodded he carefully moved it around startled at the movement of the metal.

"Those are a lot more adjustable and mobile then they look," he spoke, and felt Salazar shrug.

"I made them with my magic, so they fit what was necessary," he pulled his hand back.

"That is why you can do the runes the way you do, isn't it!" Godric smiled and Salazar slowly nodded, curling a bit back into himself.

"That is amazing!" Godric kept smiling, but noted in the back of his mind how startled the kid was.

"...it isn't that important," Salazar tucked his head into the collar of his jacket, a sign Godric was getting familiar with meaning that the kid wanted to change the topic.

Godric nodded, and they both went back to work.

~~.~~

Godric was relaxing on a rock, his head falling back in contemplation of the increasingly rare sunlight as the headed closer to Salazar's home.

'To check to make sure no one has killed each other yet.' As the kid had said, and who was Godric to begrudge him that?

Godric froze as he felt something climb up the rock next to him, and slowly opened his eyes to find a snake staring right at him.

Godric screamed.

Looking back on this moment, Godric is almost certain the snake screamed as well.

They flung apart, and Salazar came rushing into the area, knife drawn to see what was going on.

His face drained of color, and he rushed over to Godric," Oh, oh gods. Are you-oh gods."

He was patting Godric's chest and had one hand carefully checking Godric's pulse.

"I'm fine Salazar, just a bit startled by THE SNAKE THAT WAS CLIMBING ON ME!" Godric replied, but Salazar's eyes were still wide.

"Ifreann na Fola, how are you still alive!" Salazar was nearly shaking where he was crouched.

"What, it didn't attack me or anything. I'm fine?" Godric spoke, and quickly looked back over at the animal that was curled up on the ground, almost as if it was pouting.

It did look strangely familiar...just like a...

"Is that your pet basilisk?" Godric said, and hid a smile as Salazar slumped.

"No. I mean, yes, no, she is my familiar, how are you alive, you looked right at her eyes!"

"I'm immune," Godric shrugged, and Salazar stared at him deadpan, before falling back in a heap, his familiar slithering forward to sit on his head.

Godric chuckled.

"I hate you, all of you," Salazar sighed from where he was sprawled.

"What is her name?" Godric moved forward and placed his hand near the snake, letting it decide what to do.

"Doireann," Salazar mumbled, and said named basilisk was now rubbing its snout against Godric's hand, "pet her, I don't care anymore."

"You named her after the woman who tried to poison the all wise Irish hero," Godric blinked, and Salazar didn't even try to reply.

Godric carefully scratched her head, "You are much prettier than the cockatrice a ran into, that thing was nasty."

He blinked, and looked down at his companion who was still lying there with a happy snake just sitting on his face, "Can you talk to cockatrices?"

"No, doesn't work, one of the journals I found-snakes, sometimes dragons, yes, chicken dragons no," Salazar mumbled, and startled a laugh out of Godric.

"Chicken dragons, oh geez kid," Godric shook his head with disbelief.

Salazar let out a little chuckle as well.

~~.~~

"HE'S BACK AND HE HAD AN OLD MAN WIT' HIM!" a voice rang out, startling Godric out of his conversation with Salazar.

"Wait, old?" Godric voice raised quite high with the last word, "I am not old! I am in my prime! The peak of physical and mental perfection!"

"Mia, please be nice to Godric, you know how sensitive people get in their old age," Salazar, the little shit, was smirking at a tree where a small head had poked around.

"If I haff ta," the midget behind the tree pouted, but smiled as she launched herself at Salazar.

The kid was apparently used to that, and continued to walk with a limpet attached to his side.

Godric hid a smile with his hand, especially after the midget started trying to give him the evil eye.

It wasn't even close to some of the looks Godric had gotten from Salazar. He was actually starting to name a few of them, ranging from 'I don't understand how someone like you can exist in this world,' to 'that's it I am done with this place, let me off now."

Godric smirked as four more kids, probably from age eight to twelve launched themselves at Salazar the minute they saw him.

Salazar stood for a moment, allowing them to cling, before pushing them back with his magic.

"Aww. but we missed you!" the oldest one, a girl with short brown hair and brown eyes, complained from where she had landed on the ground.

"I hadn't noticed Muirgen," Salazar sighed, and then waved his hand behind him.

"This is Godric Gryffindor, he is a...friend," Salazar looked up quickly with those last words, as if judging Godric's reaction.

Godric beamed.

Salazar's face seemed to lighten, "He has magic too, and knows proper ways to use it."

"Ooh!" The only boy of the group, he was probably around nine, piped up, "What can he do!?"

Godric smiled, and pointed his sword at a small rock near the kids feet. With a wave, it turned into a speckled kitten.

The kid's eyes widened, and he carefully pet the cat, the other three joining him.

The midget who had been glaring at him earlier was now staring at the cat with wide eyes, "...awesome."

Salazar, Godric could see, also wanted to pet the cat, but seemed to be holding himself back.

"How long will it last?" Salazar looked over at him, and Godric shrugged.

"A day, probably, I didn't put a lot of magic into it, so not too long," Godric shrugged.

Salazar blinked, sighed, and looked away, shaking his head.

"Mia is the one who you met first, the girl who has blonde hair is Alexis. The boy is Tobias, and the oldest girl is Muirgen, I found them all while I was...exploring," Salazar moved forward.

"So you just pick up kids?" Godric grinned.

Salazar shrugged, "I...do what I can to help them control themselves, and then they go off again. Some stay here, like Muirgen has, and others stay for a couple days to get a semblance of control before doing what they do."

"That is really amazing," Godric grinned at him, and laughed quietly as the kid blushed.

"It is necessary," the kid blustered, "if non magicals find them they will be killed, and more people will know we exist. It is dangerous."

Godric nodded, and followed Salazar into his house, the kids trailing behind.

"I must have just died," Godric muttered as they passed the library.

"Hrm?" Salazar walked back towards him.

"You do know your family is one of the most renowned for knowing how to deal with magical beast right?" Godric moved over to a large pile of books, trying not to drool.

"Oh, no, I hadn't realized that," Salazar blinked.

"At least half of the books I used, for magic and not, were Slytherin family books," Godric quirked a smile at him.

"Huh," Salazar blinked again, and then shrugged turning away, "Well, as it is, their probably won't be any more, my specialties lie with other interests."

"Yeah, but you are brilliant with potions and wards, so I bet if you wanted to write about them you could," Godric nodded at him, and then followed him out of the library.

~~.~~

Godric spent the next couple months working with Salazar and the "hellions" as he liked to call them.

Salazar never said anything, so Godric assumed he agreed.

Godric still went out on hunts, but surprisingly enough Salazar went with him more often than naught, either claiming interest in the flora of the area, or deciding that Godric needed someone to watch his back.

It worked quite well, though usually ended with Godric having to pull the kid back before he went and shanked or hexed random people.

"If we kill them before they are a problem then that problem doesn't exist!"

"...no, just...just no Salazar."

"Gah, morals."

"Oh yes, how horrible, morals."

"Are you taunting me, Godric?"

"Me? Never! That would be below my morals to taunt childre-urk."

"Shut up, if you don't want me stabbing them I suggest we leave, there is a pub a little ways down."

"Oh of course My Lord."

"I'm glad that you have corrected your term of address, Lord Gryffindor."

"You are a little shit Salazar."

"Thank you."

Godric hadn't even realized a whole year had passed, and was actually surprised at how much...better everything was. They were a terrifying team when grouped together, and it was always nice to have a healer nearby when things went the tiniest bit wrong.

Like the time he nearly lost an arm, but, details.

There had been noise in a small town in the north that were the markings for a sorcerer gone mad, so Godric headed up that way, with Salazar once again as his tag along.

They had reached a crossroads, and were fighting with each other over which direction would be the fastest, when a figure walked by from the right crossroads path.

He was walking at a normal pace, a light pack on his back and a bland look on his face.

Godric would have ignored him entirely, if not for the way Salazar suddenly froze and stepped back, hand hidden in his sleeves as Godric knew he was grabbing some of his more potent knives.

Godric turned his head just in time to see a light of comprehension fill the man's face, and then it turned into a bloodthirsty grin.

"It seems, you found me," the man smirked, and then with movements quicker then anything Godric had seen, sent a blasting curse straight at them.

Interesting enough, he mainly seemed to be aiming at Salazar.

Godric raised his sword, and the curse was nullified, but it still sent the blast in the area around them.

"Gods," Godric rolled over, trying to keep himself between Salazar and the sorcerer, but there was a large outpouring of smoke from the blast.

Godric felt movement next to him, and swung, then froze as he saw a corpse holding a large sword that had blocked his blow.

"Necromancer," Godric growled, hopefully loud enough for Salazar to hear.

Then an earth shattering scream rent through the air, and Godric quickly rushed through the fog.

Salazar was lying on the ground, his back arched, hands and feet digging into the earth as he screamed until it seemed he couldn't. Tears were streaming down his face, but seemed to be evaporating as soon as the hit his cheeks.

Godric rushed forward, and toppled into the Necromancer, hopefully breaking whatever curse he had cast on Salazar.

Out of his periphery Godric saw Salazar's body slump to the ground, breath crackling as if his throat had dried out.

Godric swung, but the Necromancer just disappeared from in front of him, and moved to the side, casting spell after spell.

Godric dodged and turned, trying to keep up with the Necromancer, but was having trouble with him, his army of undead, and keeping Salazar behind him so he wouldn't be hurt again.

Godric quickly decapitated one of the undead, and then used a blasting curse to blow up the remains.

A green curse flew by his shoulder, and Godric dodged and threw up his shield after sending a barrage of cutting and blasting curses at the Necromancer.

He took another step to the left, and then froze.

Or rather, he was frozen in place unable to move. He scanned the ground and felt his heart triple in speed. He had stepped into some kind of warding scheme.

"And that is that," The Necromancer grinned, and Godric tried to force up a shield, but it wasn't working. However the Necromancer had set up the wards, it was something he couldn't negate.

"Oh, I know that crest," the man walked forward and poked Godric's shoulder.

"A Gryffindor wizard! Oh how cute!'' the man grinned, and if Godric had been able to move, he would have taken a step back to get away from the insane look on his face.

"And you brought me Salazar! I really should thank you for that, in fact, I will let you die second!" the man hadn't stopped smiling, and then his eyes glanced down at the sword in Godric's hand.

"Oh, now that is a beauty, are those magic crystals? How did you get those?" the man mumbled, and took the sword from Godric's hand.

"Now this is an appropriate gift," the man swung the sword once, and gave Godric another smile.

"I think I know exactly what to do with this, don't you?" and the man began to walk over to Salazar.

Godric swore and cursed and tried to move, but couldn't do anything as he watched the man move over to Salazar's prone body and use a foot to flip him so he was face up.

Salazar's face was red and blotchy, eyes half open, and he kept trying to take breaths of air but it was as if breathing hurt to much to actually try. His entire body was shaking, and he didn't even seem to realize that the Necromancer was standing in front of him.

Someone else had though, and suddenly Doireann launched herself at the necromancer.

Godric felt a surge of relief, and then overwhelming horror as the man simply batted the basilisk away.

And then hissed at it.

Godric's heart was pounding in his chest, and he watched with overwhelming dread as another friend of his was about to be killed.

He would not let it happen again.

And maybe it was the reminder of Slytherin's basilisk, or maybe it was how far gone Godric was in his need to save Salazar, but suddenly Godric remembered something.

He couldn't nullify anything how he was, but maybe he could stop negating something.

And so he did.

The Necromancer raised the sword, and then froze, sword slipping from his grasp as he keeled over.

The magic that was keeping Godric in place faded, and he stumbled over to where Salazar lay.

"Salazar, Sal, buddy, I...what do you need?" Godric ran his hand over Salazar's face and realized that it was hot, much to hot.

The kid didn't even seem to recognize him, eyes still glazed.

Godric felt something slide next to him, and began to pull on something in his pack.

Doireann was poking and prodding at his water pouch, so Godric took it. He carefully levered Salazar up, ignoring the small amount of tears that escaped from his eyes, and began to trickle water into his mouth.

Godric slowly and carefully fed Salazar the water, and then poured a little out onto a cloth and placed it on his face.

He set the kid down for a moment, and grabbed his sword, once again negating the cockatrice leather hilt. He dragged the necromancer's body into a nearby bush, he would deal with that as soon as Salazar was better.

"Where should we go?" Godric looked down at the basilisk that was curled around his leg, and the snake scented the air for a moment, before moving off of the road.

Godric carefully lifted Salazar, and followed the snake. It led them to a small gravelly area next to a river. Godric checked the water and it was quite cold, which might be exactly what the kid needed.

"Can you watch him for a minute? I need to get rid of the necromancer," Godric looked at the basilisk, who nodded and arched its neck as looked around the area.

Godric went back to where he had hid the necromancer. He took the guys pack and wand, then burned the body.

He came back to the clearing, and dropped his stuff down. He set up a small sleeping area, and then grabbed a cloak he had in his pack. He went to the stream and carefully soaked the cloak, ringing it out to get rid of the excess water.

Godric stripped Salazar until he was in his braies, and then carefully began to cover and dab at him with the soaked cloak.

"So you know any potions we can use?" he asked the basilisk once again, and the snake disappeared into Salazar's cloak.

(Which Godric was both surprised and unsurprised with how many knives and potion vials that thing held.)

Some annoyed hissing later, and Doireann had carefully lugged two potions out.

"Alright then," Godric tilted Salazar up once more, and poured the potions down his throat.

A rough moan passed through the kid's lips, but the shaking had stopped, and he seemed to be heading back to a normal temperature.

Godric spent the rest of the night taking care of Salazar, and come morning light he looked a lot better, and was sleeping peacefully.

Godric slipped into sleep himself, and only woke when the sound of hissing filled his ears.

Blinking his eyes open he saw Salazar propping himself up on his elbows, and hissing gently at Doireann.

"Whoa, no! You are not getting up!" Godric got to his feet and carefully pushed Salazar back down.

Doireann seemed to be hissing in victory, and Salazar had a sour look on his face.

"I'm fine," the kid grumbled, but didn't try to get up again.

Godric didn't even smile, "What happened, and do you need anything?"

Salazar looked up at him," Water...if you could."

Godric nodded and quickly came over with his water pouch which he had refilled at the river.

He helped Salazar carefully sip at the water, and then smiled at the content look on the kid's face when he leaned back down.

"Doireann says you killed him?" Salazar questioned, eyes dulled with the need for sleep.

"Yup, I have cockatrice leather as the hilt for my sword, and he realized that a bit too late," Godric smiled, and Salazar smiled back.

"Good...idea..." Salazar was struggling to stay awake.

"Before yous sleep, what did he do to you, and how do you know him?" Godric nudged at his shoulder, and Salazar grumbled in disgust.

"It was...hot..and dry...everything burned...and I met him before, on the streets. It was years ago. He felt...bad...really bad...read his mind...really bad...wanted something from me...and other things...I ran, don't know," Salazar slowly fell back asleep.

Godric stared at the pale teen in front of him, hand unconsciously running through his hair.

Godric carefully got up, started a fire, and then began to go through the bastard's pack.

He ended up burning most of the items inside because they were just dark, sick and just plain wrong. He pulled out some papers, but they all seemed to be texts on spells, spells that Godric wanted nothing to do with.

He ended up just burning everything, not wanting to let any remainders of the necromancer. He even burned the wand.

Salazar woke again later that evening, and chugged down another potion, looking much better. He staggered over to the fire, and sat a little ways away curled in on himself.

"I'm pretty sure he spoke parseltongue," Godric spoke, and looked over at Salazar.

Salazar bit his lip, "That...narrows it down a lot...he could have been from one of the Slytherin side families?"

Godric shrugged, "Well he is dead now, so at least that is done with."

Salazar nodded again, and Doireann slid up his arm to rest on top of his head.

Godric smiled, and stirred the stew.

~~.~~

Some months later, Godric and Salazar found themselves in a small inn, relaxing after a hectic fight.

"I'm telling you, you really shouldn't go charging in like that, it makes you seem to be an idiot. Now, I already know that, but you might try to fool your enemy for at least a few seconds!" Salazar grumbled around his mug, already nearly halfway down with his drink.

Godric grinned, unrepentant, ""Call me a fool, but I think giving them fair warning that they have no hope of winning is better for it."

Salazar sighed, which Godric ignored, and he took another mouthful of his drink. Salazar's eyes slid past him and locked onto something. Godric turned and was saw a small woman with bright red hair, nearly the same shade as his own walking towards them.

She smiled at both of them, and Godric invited her to sit with them, ignoring Salazar's baleful glare.

"Hello, my name is Helga Hufflepuff, and I heard from a friend you might be interested in something I am working on."

I can now die, geez Godric! How could you be so difficult! Gah~
Also Salazar, I love you, but please stop talking, the amount of banter I had to get rid of was astronomical.

The next chapter will be about Ravenclaw, and I would like to have a warning before hand that it may take me a while because her past is the worst of all the founders.

Thank you for reading! Please leave a review on your way out!

I'm also thinking of doing a few side stories for Godric's and Salazar's adventures, there were just too many to fit in here :)

And thanks to Rikkamaru and all my friends who put up with me complaining about Godric.

~Not Necessarily in Between