Part 3

"Psst. Salazar."

"Just a couple more minutes."

"It's your own fault for staying up to all hours with Godric. Get up."

Rowena stepped back and let him get out of bed. Stretching, Salazar walked over to the snoring Godric and nudged him. When that didn't work, Salazar hit him. Rolling his eyes, Salazar said, "Wingardium Leviosa," and lifted the mattress out from under him.

"Whoa! What? I'm awake! I'm awake!"

"Yes, I know," said Salazar dryly, as he got dressed.

"It's almost time to go down for breakfast," said Helga.

"Nice!" said Godric. He was definitely a morning person. "I get to meet the Defence Professor!"

"Yes. I'm looking forward to meeting this Flitwick," said Rowena. She was better than most of those in her century, but it was still going to be hard to get over the prejudice for goblins. Dumbledore had said the goblins were respected now, and Rowena was determined not to offend anyone today.

Godric, who had already gotten dressed (or rather just not gotten undressed), grabbed his wand and left the dorm, followed by the others.

Walking through the halls, the Founders had mixed reactions to the castle. They could feel the magic around them, but it was weird to feel their own magic, without remembering casting those particular wards.

When they reached the Great Hall, Godric stopped and grinned at the others behind him. Then, straightening his collar, Godric threw open the doors and strode into the Hall. The others, rolling their eyes at their friend's antics, followed.

Godric walked between the House tables, and saw the respective colors of red, yellow, green and blue. He swelled with pride when he saw his House, and the only thing stopping him from walking over and sitting with them (as he did occasionally in his own time) was the fact that Rowena was just behind him, and he didn't want to get hexed.

The students, seeing their Founders, assumed this was just a prank, most likely from the Weasley Twins. However, when they looked over at them and saw their wide-eyed expressions, this thought fell out of their minds as they gaped at the regal-looking men and women striding towards the Head Table.

Godric walked around the table, and only then realized he didn't know where to sit. He usually sat in the Headmaster's chair, but Dumbledore was already there. Shrugging, he conjured a chair and sat at the end of the table beside Salazar.

Salazar happened to sit by Hagrid, and was a bit squished between the muscled Godric and the half-giant. He was too courteous to complain, however, and just asked the bemused Hagrid to pass the syrup for his pancakes.

Helga sat at the other end of the table, between Rowena and a toad-like woman dressed in vibrant pink. Helga thought it was a bit eccentric, and asked the woman if she could maybe scooch over just a bit.

The rest of the Hall was quiet, glancing up at the Founders. Harry, Hermione and Ron looked up at them, and Hermione said, almost reverently, "Is that Rowena Ravenclaw?"

"I think so," replied Harry. "I think those are the Founders."

"What's Gryffindor doing sitting beside Slytherin?" asked Ron, and murmurs of agreement made their way down the table.

"Maybe the Houses were friends in their time," said Hermione doubtfully.

At that moment, Dumbledore stood and called for silence. This was perhaps the easiest he ever got it, as the student body wanted to know how and why the Founders were here.

"As I'm sure all of you have noticed, we have some very special guests with us today," said Dumbledore pleasantly. "Mr. Gryffindor, would you like to explain?"

Godric grinned and nodded. Standing, he spread his arms grandly and said, "Hogwarts, I would like to say how happy I am that Hogwarts is still standing, and not only that, but is still at the peak of its glory."

Pausing for emphasis, Godric continued. "Just last night- well, for us. Just last millenia, if you will-" The students laughed- "We got into a disagreement. We could not agree on what the most important thing for a soldier to have in battle is."

Whispers made their way around the Hall, and Godric, smiling, said, "I'd like to know what you all think. Raise your hands, if you will."

After a bit of hesitation, a few hands went up. Unashamedly biased, Godric chose a hand in Gryffindor. "Yes, the redhead."

Ron flushed, but said, "Well, I would think it's being able to do what you need to at the moment."

Godric beamed at him. Ron had just unknowingly said, almost word-for-word, what Godric had said that night in his quarters. "Very good. 10 points to Gryffindor. How about you?" he said, pointing to a hand in Slytherin.

Daphne Greengrass looked at him shrewdly, and said, "Skill is the most important. Being spontaneous is great and all, but you need to have the capability first."

Salazar smiled and nodded, as did Gryffindor. "Absolutely. 10 points to Slytherin as well. And you?"

A prefect in Ravenclaw, Roger Davies, stood and said, "Well, tactics has got to count for something. No matter how skilled you are, you can still be overwhelmed if you rush into a situation unprepared."

"That's what being spontaneous is for," whispered Salazar.

Godric, struggling not to burst into laughter at Salazar's comment said, "You're right, of course. 10 points to Ravenclaw. How about one more? Yes, how about you?"

Justin Finch-Fletchley stood and said, rather formally, "Morale is what counts. Ever heard the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way?' Well, that really means something."

Helga nodded and gave him a thumbs-up, and he flushed and sat. Godric nodded and awarded Hufflepuff 10 points as well, and said, "That's what the disagreement was, students. Thank you for clearing it up, we'll leave now."

Godric pushed back his chair and made to leave. After staring at him for a moment, the students erupted. Calling him back, the noise fell back and Malfoy stood. "Sir, how about we have a, ehm, 'training battle,' and find out what really is more important? Thinking in the moment, having the capability, willing to fight, or having a plan?"

Godric looked at him in mock surprise. "Why, what an idea! Salazar, that's a smart student you've got there!"

Salazar, playing along, said, "But of course. And yours are nothing to frown at. Say!"

Godric, struggling to contain his grin, said, "Yes! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I believe I am! What do you say about an alliance?"

"I say that that's an excellent idea!"

At this, even the Houses involved, who despised each other, couldn't help smiling at the two friends' act. Rowena and Helga, however, were not to be outdone.

"Say, Helga. I don't think we'll stand a chance fighting separately," said Rowena. "How about you and me team up and squash those two?"

"Sounds like a normal Tuesday. Why not?"

The Hall erupted into cheers. This was sounding like an actual battle, and the students loved it.

When the cheers subsided, Dumbledore stood and nodded to the Founders, who nodded back and sat down. "I would like to know if you will be accepting first, second, or third year students."

"Oh, no, Professor. What we have in mind would only be suitable for fifth-year and up."

The Hall, namely the fourth-years and younger, erupted with protests. The others stayed quiet in hopes of still getting in.

"Quiet!" shouted Dumbledore. When silence was at last given, he said, "I do not know what the Founders have in store for you, and so I cannot give my opinion on the matter. You will show them the proper courtesy, and learn from with great respect."

Godric nodded in thanks, then turned to the students. "I hope you ate well, because we'll be working hard!" And with that, he jumped over the Table and ran out the Hall. The older students roared with approval and followed him, with the other Founders rolling their eyes and walking calmly out of the Hall.

When they were gone, the Hall started talking again. Ginny went over to Luna and said, "Luna, do you think Harry will be too busy to continue the DA?"

Luna looked up dreamily. "Oh, don't worry, Ginny. I'm sure Harry won't forget us."

Ginny didn't look reassured, but she let it drop and went back to the Gryffindor table.

()()()()()

Outside, the Gryffindors and the Slytherins gathered on the Quidditch Pitch, while the Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs congregated at the shore of the lake.

"Alright. Now, we need generals," said Godric. He was treating this lightly, but he believed his Gryffindors and theSlytherins would understand the importance of this choice. "How about, for now, we'll choose 2 from each House?"

The Houses immediately separated and conversed. Then Harry and Hermione walked out of the group, heads held high. The Gryffindors were sure that the two would work well together.

On the other side, the Slytherins took a little longer to decide, but eventually Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini walked out, joining Harry and Hermione. Harry and Malfoy nodded to each other coolly, by an unspoken agreement to withhold their disagreement for the time being.

Clapping his hands, Godric smiled and said, "Very good! And what are your names?"

Harry and Hermione stepped forward. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, sir," said Hermione.

"Right!" And turning to the Gryffindors, he said, "And why did you choose these two?"

Ron stepped forward. "Well, sir, Hermione is top of the class. It's a wonder she's not in Ravenclaw," -the group laughed- "And Harry… well, sir, Harry has done a lot. Not to mention, he's been teaching most of us-" -Here he gestured to the rest of the Gryffindors- "-a lot of useful spells."

Godric was happy to hear how capable the chosen two were, but he was confused. "Why is Harry teaching you? Shouldn't you be learning from the DADA teacher, or the Charms professor?"

Hermione blushed, but she said, "Well, Professor Flitwick, our Charms teacher, is great. But our Defence teacher doesn't actually teach us anything, sir. She says that if we know how-" she grimaced- "-we'll be fine in the moment."

Godric frowned at this, but stowed it away for later consideration. "Well, I'm glad Harry's been on top of things lately."

Salazar, who had been quiet up until now, stepped forward. "And how about you, Slytherins?"

"Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini, sir," said Malfoy pompously. Salazar narrowed his eyes. He could see that Malfoy was very arrogant, but left it for now.

"And why did you choose these two?" he addressed the group.

Pansy Parkinson stepped out of the Slytherins and said, "Well, sir, we chose Blaise because he's very knowledgeable. And we chose Draco because he's very smart, and he knows how to rally the group, and he can fly really well-"

"Yes, very good, Miss," said Salazar, interrupting politely, to the amusement of the Gryffindors.

Salazar stepped back and nudged Godric. When they were out of earshot, Salalzar said, "I don't know about you, but I can detect a lot of aggression towards each other."

"Yes, so can I," said Godric, troubled. "I hate to say it about your student, Salazar, but I think it's that Draco character."

"Yes, I think so as well. I think he'll cause more harm than good."

Godric nodded. "Still, we can't be condescending. We'll see how they work, then offer revisement and see what their Housemates think."

"Good plan."

"Thanks."

Walking back to the groups, Godric said, "Okay then, generals. I want to see the most advanced magic you know."

Harry and Hermione turned to each other, and after a moment of whispering, turned and said, "Expecto Patronum!"

From their wands, a silver stag and otter erupted from their wands. Looking pleased, they turned to Godric.

"Very good! Very, very good! What year are you, Harry? Did you teach them that?"

"5th Year, sir. I taught Hermione and some others."

"Amazing! Do you two know that spell?" he said, turning to Malfoy and Zabini.

Malfoy shook his head regretfully, but then said, "No, sir, but I can conjure a snake and most of my spells are very powerful. Also, me and Zabini can duel very well."

"Sir, we know how to duel as well. We've been practising since second year," said Hermione indignantly.

"I've been practising since I was eight!"

"Against Ministry regulations!" Harry shot back, hand on his wand.

"Enough!" said Salazar. He turned to the generals. "You'll have to learn to work together if you're going to lead your troops to victory."

Harry and Malfoy nodded to him, but still glared at each other. Hermione nudged him, and Harry turned away.

Godric, a bit uncomfortable, said, "Alright, split up into pairs, Gryffindors to Slytherins. We'll be practising dueling. For now, we'll have three different power categories. If you believe you're either not that powerful, not that skilled, or don't know how to conduct yourself in a duel, go to category one. If you know a bit, or don't think you're skilled enough for the third category, go to the second. If you know everything there is to know, or are very powerful, go to the third category."

The students split up. There were almost no students in the first category, only Neville and a couple other Gryffindors. In the second category, there were quite a few more Slytherins and Gryffindors.

Finally, in the third category, were Harry, Hermione, Draco, Blaise (after a bit of convincing), and any others who were in the DA, along with a few Slytherins.

"Alright. First category, pair up and line up!" shouted Salazar.

The Gryffindors paired, with no Slytherins to pair with. Neville paired with a girl named Hannah. The duel wasn't much to look at, with Hannah shooting jinxes, while Neville tripped around them. Neville managed to get a few off, even managing to get Hannah with a Jelly-Legs Jinx, but it wasn't enough. At the end, Hannah emerged victorious.

The second category was considerably more exciting. The most noteworthy were the duels between Ron, the Twins, and surprisingly, Parvati Patil. Parvati, paired with Pansy, caught her off guard with a well placed Expelliarmus, which the Slytherin girl dodged right into. Pansy looked a bit put out, but shrugged and stepped off.

The Twins were impressive. Not only did they prove themselves very capable with their wands, they also used quite a few things they kept in their pocket. Fred disarmed Marcus Flint after throwing some powder in the air, causing the entire dueling to go black.

"Foul! That's a foul!" yelled Flint, coughing.

"Not so, Mister Flint," said Godric, grinning. "This is an informal duel, not an honor duel."

George defeated his opponent by throwing some silver substance on the ground, which rolled eagerly after Crabbe. After a bit of dodging, Crabbe slipped on the silver ball, and was promptly disarmed. Not even contesting it, Crabbe just glared at George and stepped off.

Ron paired with Goyle. After a bit of dueling, Goyle threw a Binding Jinx, and Ron was thrown out of the arena from the force of the spell. After he got free, he reentered and attacked with renewed vigor. Goyle threw another curse, which Ron blocked with a Shield and threw a Reducto. It wasn't near enough to cause Goyle to get hurt, but it did blow him off his feet. Ron then disarmed him, and held his wand up smugly.

The third category was the spotlight of the tournament (As it would later be remembered). Harry paired with Draco, and Hermione with Zabini. Hermione and Zabini went first.

Zabini, known throughout the school for being quite polite despite being in Slytherin, bowed to Hermione. Hermione bowed as well, and turned and walked to the end of the arena. Whirling, Hermione took up her stance, holding her wand out in front of her, ready to cast a Protego. Zabini held his wand over his head, with his other hand extended toward Hermione. This was the accepted offensive position.

When Salazar yelled begin, nothing happened. Hermione and Zabini waited for the other to make the first move, watching each other intently. The Gryffindors and Slytherins watched with bated breath, not willing to set them off.

Finally, each of them decided to cast. Hermione cast an Incarcerous, and Zabini cast Stupefy. Their spells met in the middle, and exploded in a yellow light. This made Hermione and Zabini panic, as they couldn't see their opponent, and started casting randomly into the light. As a result, spells flew out of the light at them, and they stopped to dodge.

Zabini avoided them all but one, a Tarantallegra, and the smoke cleared, revealing Zabini's leg flying around underneath them. From there, it was pretty one sided. Zabini couldn't dodge Hermione's spells, and his Shield only lasted so long. Hermione won.

Harry's and Draco's duel lasted quite a bit longer. After bowing and taking up their positions, Salazar yelled "Begin!" and the spells started flying. Draco used aggressive spells, dodging instead of Shielding. Harry used moderate spells, using Shields when he needed to.

Harry dodged and jumped up, shouting, "Stupefy!" Draco dodged, shooting a Tarantallegra. Harry Shielded, then jumped out and shot another Stupefy. Draco would have used his signature move by now, but he knew Harry would just burn it or speak Parseltongue. So he decided to try something else.

"Reducto!" he shouted. He had seen Weasley do it, and when Harry was blown off his feet, he shot a Stupefy. Harry rolled to avoid it, barely, and Shielded. Getting an idea, Harry shot a series of Stunners at Draco. Draco knew he couldn't avoid all of them, and Shielded. Harry then shot Bombarda, and Draco flew back from the force of the blast, right out of the ring.

"And we have a winner!" shouted Salazar. The Gryffindors cheered, and the Slytherins grumbled. Harry grinned and went back to his House.

"Very good!" said Godric. "We're done for today, but we'll keep working later. Practice dueling only under supervision, and we'll see you guys tomorrow!"

Sorry this took so long. I've been busy, and I've been working on my other story. Also, to Namae Nashide, you won't wait forever. I thought it was funny you just sent that.