Light And Dark Don't Coexist

Isilarma

Chapter Four

Well, here's the final chapter everyone. Thank you very much for all the reviews, favourites and alerts, I really appreciate them. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I've never written a duel scene before, so any feedback would be very welcome.

By the way, I have finished the plan for my new 'Founders meet the trio' story, so I should be able to start writing that this week. I want to get the first few chapters written before I post anything so it may be a bit of a wait, but I promise, it is coming.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and am not affiliated with Bloomsbury or Scholastic Inc.

Salazar took a deep breath and forced himself to concentrate. His ribs burned with every movement, but he could already tell they weren't broken. His head was another matter, dizziness and nausea were not encouraging signs, but he ignored the pain with the ease of long practise. If he couldn't find a way out, things would soon be much worse. Salazar sighed. Godric was not going to be impressed.

The wizard who hadn't spoken was still studying him.

"Looks like you were right."

The first man nodded. "I told you. Go and fetch the others."

Salazar coughed. "Ah, now we may have a slight problem there."

The second man frowned, but the first understood. "He was coming from that direction, Atol. I doubt any of the others are still breathing."

Atol's eyes widened. "You killed them!"

Salazar allowed a thin smirk to touch his lips. "They lacked the ability to defend themselves adequately. I can see why you chose to ran before."

Atol's wand shook as he raised it. "I'll kill you for that."

Salazar smirk widened. "You can try."

"In case you hadn't noticed," the first interrupted, "you are the one injured, unarmed and outnumbered."

"Then it's almost a fair fight." Even as he spoke, Salazar's mind was racing. Godric wasn't due back for a good while yet and despite his words, he really wasn't sure of his chances. Apparition was out of the question for the moment; trying with the head the way it was was likely to get him splinched. His wand was lying just out of range, and his staff even further, but that was a problem easily solved. All he had to do was provoke them into doing something rash. And Salazar was very good at provoking people.

Sure enough, both wizards' faces were flushed with rage. "Why you," Atol snarled. "We're going to kill you!"

"You already said that," Salazar pointed out mildly. "It would be much more convincing if you actually did something about it."

"Shut up!"

"Did you have something to say?"

"You're going to die!"

Salazar sighed and glanced at the other man. "Is there actually room in his head for more than one thought at a time?"

The wizard smirked at him. "Not that I've noticed. He is very good at what he does though."

"Killing people?"

"How did you guess?"

Atol's face had turned purple. "Shut up Scead!" He took a step forward and raised his wand.

It was the opportunity Salazar had been looking for. He waited until Atol was off balance before sending out a strong pulse of wandless magic. Atol let out a startled roar as the sudden force sent him stumbling sideways into his companion. The two wizards hit the ground in a crash of tangled limbs.

Salazar didn't waste time. More wandless magic brought wand and staff flying to his hands, and he made a mental note to thank Helga the next time he saw her. Along with everything else he had to say. He forced the thought away and pushed himself upright. The world spun alarmingly as he rose and his leg gave its customary protest, but Salazar ignored them. At least he was able to face his opponents on his feet. The satisfaction faded soon though; he still wasn't steady enough to Apparate and he was now fairly sure that he had a concussion. That might complicate things. Salazar gritted his teeth and raised his wand. Injured he might be, but the battle was not over yet.

Atol and Scead were both back on their feet, but their expressions were wary as they faced him. Wandless magic was notoriously difficult to perform and Salazar had just done so without apparent effort. He smiled at them.

"Now this is a little better."

Atol glared at him. "You took me surprise."

"That was sort of the idea."

"It doesn't make any difference," Scead pointed out. "You are still outnumbered."

Salazar's eyes narrowed as he studied them. There was no doubt that Scead was the more intelligent of the two, but there was a dangerous, almost crazed, gleam in Atol's eyes that Salazar found disturbingly familiar. Helga had good reason to fear the Dark Arts. Unfortunately, it looked like he could not afford to underestimate either of them.

"It appears that way," he agreed. "But quality is more important than quantity."

"Enough of this," Atol growled. "He dies now."

This time he was serious. Salazar blocked the curse that would have caved in his chest with a flick of his wand and gave a small smirk.

"Care to try again?"

Atol did. Salazar caught the spells on a shield and retaliated. He noted with some surprise that Scead was content to watch the duel without interfering, but he soon saw the sense of it. The longer this duel lasted, the more he would reveal of his spell repertoire and fighting style. Salazar gritted his teeth. He had to finish this quickly.

With that in mind, he launched a blinding volley of spells at his opponent. Atol fell back, his expression changing from predatory glee to apprehension as he struggled under the assault. Salazar's eyes narrowed and he increased his rate of casting. He had no intention of giving Atol a chance to attack. The man lasted longer than he expected, but he was simply unable to match Salazar's strength. His shield cracked and shattered, and a final spell sent him flying backwards. He landed heavily and lay still.

Breathing more heavily than he would have liked, Salazar turned to his second opponent. The duel had taken more out of him than he had expected, but he forced himself to speak calmly.

"Well, that didn't go quite according to plan, did it?"

Scead shrugged. "He was a fool."

Salazar's jaw tightened at the complete lack of caring in his voice. "He's not the only one."

The wizard smiled back. "We shall see." He raised his wand and the second duel began.

Salazar soon realised that his initial assessment had been correct. Scead was much more intelligent than Atol, and a far better duellist. He had seen the disadvantage Salazar's crippled leg put him at, and he employed tactics that forced Salazar to move rather than just defend with a shield. Unfortunately, it was working, and it wasn't doing his concussion any good either. He responded with rarer and more powerful spells, forcing his enemy to expend more energy defending himself. Scead was creative, but his range of spells was limited and he couldn't match Salazar's power.

The pair were so well matched in fact that the duel continued for several minutes with neither being able to gain the upper hand, but Salazar soon found himself struggling. It was taking more and more effort to ignore the pain of his injuries, and spells were becoming increasingly difficult to perform correctly. He was also reminded why he hated concussions; several times it had caused his vision to blur unexpectedly and only hastily erected shields had saved him. It couldn't last.

A minute later, his prediction came true. An inventive volley of spells forced Salazar to twist sideways to avoid them, but his aching head violently protested the motion. The resulting wave of dizziness sent him staggering back and he wasn't able to avoid the final curse. The spell tore a burning line across his chest and shoulder and he had to lean against the wall to keep from falling. Across the passage, Scead gave an unpleasant chuckle.

"Would you like a moment, or would you prefer to surrender now?"

Salazar didn't reply. He was too bust catching his breath and assessing the damage. The wound stretched from the start of his collarbone to his shoulder, and while it wasn't deep enough to have caused any serious damage, it was very painful. The steady blood flow also complicated matters. Getting back to Hogwarts was becoming increasingly urgent. He raised his head to study his opponent. Scead was still grinning, but Salazar could see his wand trembling in his hand. The sight brought a surge of hope. Scead was good, but he was nearing exhaustion, while Salazar had reserves he had yet to tap. A smirk rose unbidden to his lips and he was gratified to see the sudden flare of apprehension in his enemy's face.

"First blood to you," he acknowledged. "But things may change."

"Oh really?" Scead had recovered enough composure to sneer, but Salazar's grin only widened.

"Oh yes. Right now in fact."

Scead's eyes widened, but Salazar had already released the spell.

The passage was suddenly lit by a flash of blinding white light. Salazar had been careful to look away, but the display was still bright enough to leave spots in front of his eyes. For his opponent, who had taken no such precautions, the effect was much worse. Scead let out a shrill scream and raised his wand to cover his eyes. He didn't realise he was leaving himself completely unprotected. A moment later Salazar's curse hit him squarely in the chest. He fell to the floor and lay motionless.

Salazar waved his wand and the light dimmed to a more reasonable level. For a moment he stood still, ready to fight. Intellectually he knew that the battle was over, but it was hard to relax after such an encounter. Then the adrenaline surge left his body and he slumped against the wall, shaking uncontrollably. His vision blurred and spun, and it took all his control to keep from throwing up. Now that the battle was over, his ribs and leg were also making their presence known, and the gash on his chest was still bleeding heavily.

The blood brought him to his senses and he pushed himself upright. His twenty minutes were almost over and Godric was sure to be getting worried, not to mention Rowena and Helga. Salazar looked down at his torn and blood-stained robes and sighed. They were not going to be very happy.

Salazar closed his eyes and waited for his racing heart rate to slow. Normally he would Apparate without a second thought, but he was in no condition to take chances. As a result, he didn't see the dark figure that was slowly rising to its feet. He did feel the sudden impact as someone crashed into him, but by then it was too late. Two wizards Disapparated with a loud crack, leaving a single body lying in the passage.

Helga paced up and down the infirmary, not even trying to hide her concern.

"He should be back by now."

Godric didn't move from his position by the window. "He still has a few minutes," he pointed out. Despite his words, the tension was clear in the set of his shoulders. Helga bit her lip. She knew Salazar was a formidable fighter, but she hated the thought of him alone in a dangerous situation.

Rowena sighed and laid a hand on her arm. "Helga, sit down," she suggested gently. "Worrying about it isn't doing any good."

Helga resisted the urge to remind her friend just how worried she had been a few minutes earlier and took the proffered seat. "What could be taking him so long?"

"He's being thorough," said Godric. "He'll be back soon."

"But what if he's in trouble?"

Godric's eyes darkened. "Then someone else will soon be in even more trouble."

Helga managed a small smile at that. Godric was generally good-tempered but he did not take kindly to those who harmed, or even threatened his friends. It was a characteristic for which Helga was profoundly grateful.

Godric's expression lightened and he smiled back. "That's better," he said gently. "I expect he's taking the time to decide what to say."

Helga's smile twisted. "What do you think he will say?"

Godric looked at her. "What do you want him to say?"

She didn't even have to think about it. "That he will stay."

Godric's eyes narrowed. "Even with his use of Dark magic?"

Helga held his gaze. "I trust Salazar with my life," she said firmly. "If he says he can control it then I have to believe him."

Some of the tension left Godric's shoulders and he slumped forwards. "I am very glad to hear it." He glanced up. "You were not so certain a few days ago."

Helga sighed. "I have had time to think." She looked away. "And I don't want him to leave."

Rowena's hand rested on her shoulder. "He won't." She cast a wary glance at Godric. "Will he?"

"He certainly doesn't want to," Godric replied. "He was just as upset by the notion as we were."

Helga felt a surge of hope. If he really didn't want to leave then surely they would be able to get through this when he returned. If he returned. What could be taking him so long? She was just about to suggest they return to the cave when a deafening crack rang through the room.

Helga was immediately on her feet. She didn't know what had happened, but for Salazar's Apparition to be that uncontrolled… Her line of thought broke off abruptly as two figures appeared in the middle of the room. She just had time to see that one was Salazar, before the second sent them both crashing to the floor with a wordless yell.

All three started forwards at the sight, but the stranger had underestimated his victim. The hairs on the back of Helga's neck prickled as Salazar's magic filled the air then a ferocious burst of wandless magic sent the man flying backwards. He scrambled to his feet with an animalistic snarl, and Helga took an involuntary step backwards at the pure hatred in his eyes. He made to charge at Salazar but Godric was already between them, his wand raised and expression murderous. Helga felt a brief surge of pity, but all compassion died as she saw the blood covering Salazar's robes.

"Salazar!" Within moments she was at his side, her wand moving in a familiar diagnostic pattern. "What happened?"

It took him a minute to focus on her. "Ambush," he muttered. "Wasn't prepared." He broke off with a strangled hiss and Helga fought down a burst of fear.

"It's all right; you're going to be fine." The results from the scan confirmed her suspicions. "Concussion, cracked ribs, blood loss… Once, just once, could you come back unharmed?" Salazar grimaced, but he didn't answer. Rowena knelt on his other side.

"What do we do?" Her face was pale, but her voice was quite steady. Both ignored the sounds of Godric obliterating the unfortunate wizard with the ease of long practise.

Helga concentrated and sent a brief pulse of healing magic into his body. Salazar drew in a sharp breath, but the blood flow slowed to a sluggish trickle.

"That should hold that for now. Help me move him somewhere more comfortable."

"I can walk," Salazar mumbled. Helga and Rowena looked at each other. Before Salazar could protest, they had levitated him on to the nearest bed. Salazar glared at them, but his attention was diverted when Godric joined them, his expression very grim.

"How is he?"

Helga kept her attention on her patient as she replied. "He has a concussion, a couple of cracked ribs and a nasty laceration, but nothing too serious." She frowned. "He also appears to be suffering from mild magical exhaustion."

Salazar grunted. "Too much wandless magic," he muttered. "And I wasn't expecting to transport two." His eyes widened and he tried to sit up but Godric caught his shoulder.

"I've taken care of it," he assured him. "He is no further threat." His eyes narrowed. "Now, would you care to explain yourself?"

"This is not the time Godric," Helga interrupted sharply. She could understand his frustration, but she really needed space to work. "Why don't you go and ensure there are none remaining?"

Godric opened his mouth to argue, but his protests died as he saw the weariness in Salazar's eyes. Rowena touched his arm.

"Come Godric," she said gently. "We are only in the way here."

Very reluctantly, Godric nodded. "We will be back soon," he said quietly. "Please don't get yourself killed before then."

Salazar attempted a smile. "I will do my best."

Godric sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of." With a final glance back, he turned to follow Rowena out the room.

Salazar waited until they were gone before turning to look at Helga. "Thank you," he murmured.

Helga smiled at him. "You're welcome. How do you feel?"

Salazar grimaced. "I have been better." He shivered and Helga frowned as his skin went a shade paler.

"I'd better see to that. Where exactly did you hit your head?"

"At the back." His face twisted into a scowl. "I hit a wall."

Helga winced. "That explains your ribs." She patted his arm. "Just give me a moment."

She dimly heard Salazar's murmur of acknowledgement but her attention was already on the injury. Helga frowned. It wasn't the worst she had seen by any means, but she certainly wouldn't have wanted to fight a duel with it. She was frankly amazed he was still alive. With a shudder she forced herself to focus on healing the damage.

After a few minutes she had done all she could and carefully withdrew. Salazar blinked up at her, and Helga was relieved to see the fogginess fading from his grey eyes.

"Is that any better?"

Salazar smiled at her. "Very much so, thank you." He was still pale, but he no longer looked as though he were about to pass out.

Helga squeezed his hand. "Good." Gently, she peeled back the blood-stained robes to examine the deep cut on his chest. She swallowed. A few inches higher and it would have sliced his throat open.

Salazar followed her gaze. "It is not as bad as it looks."

"I know exactly how bad it is," said Helga sharply. "You could have died."

Salazar sighed. "But I didn't. And I will make sure that it does not happen again."

Helga said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the spell that would knit the torn flesh back together. Salazar twitched slightly as she followed the line of the injury. The spell was effective, but decidedly uncomfortable. It was one that they were all very familiar with. Her hand shook slightly at the thought. How many more times was she going to have to cast this spell?

"I'm sorry."

Helga blinked. "Sorry? For what?"

Salazar looked rather uncomfortable. "I did not mean to worry you."

"I know you didn't." She ended the spell and studied her handiwork. The bleeding cut had healed to a dark red line. It stood out in stark contrast to his pale skin.

"All right. It will be sore for a while, so please try not to over-exert yourself for the next few days."

Salazar nodded. "I promise."

Helga sighed and Vanished the blood stains. "I just hope there aren't any more attacks."

Salazar shook his head. "The news of what we have done will spread. It should be an adequate deterrent." He scowled. "For a few weeks at least."

"And then you will go out again?" She already knew the answer, but Salazar nodded anyway.

"Do you think we could let people like that roam free and do nothing?"

Helga glanced at the body in the corner and shuddered. "He almost didn't seem human."

Salazar's expression turned bleak. "In a way he wasn't." He sighed. "This is why using the Dark Arts is such a risk."

Helga stared at him. She had long known about the dangers of Dark magic, but reading about it was very different to seeing the effects for herself.

"They become like that?"

Salazar nodded. "The ones that cannot control themselves become lost in the powers they unleash. They become savage, reckless… In time they cease to think like men at all." He tuned to face her then, his eyes haunted by terrible memories. "Not even the worst of us deserves such a fate."

Helga's chest tightened. "Salazar…" She trailed off, unable to speak.

Salazar's eyes softened and he reached up to take her hand. "When I first started studying the Dark Arts, I did not understand what the price would be. If Godric had not intervened, I may never have. But I did, and I swear to you, I will never permit myself to go that far." He paused and his expression turned dangerous. "And I will die before allowing any student of mine to take that path."

Helga felt her eyes fill with tears. He had said similar things before, but things had changed. She had not understood, and he had not known how to explain. Godric and Rowena had done their best, but nothing had convinced her.

Until now, when Salazar took her hand. He knew of her abilities, he knew what she could do. He allowed her to feel his pain, his fear, every emotion in fact was laid bare for her to read. Helga could feel his utter desolation at the thought of leaving, and his complete sincerity as he gave his word. Not even a liar as skilled as Salazar could hide from an Empath like Helga while connected like this. So when he said he would die before allowing any student to be corrupted, she knew he was telling the truth. He had been from the start.

"I know."

Salazar's eyes widened, and she clearly felt his surprise. "You do?"

"I do. I am sorry it took me so long to see it."

Salazar still looked doubtful, and Helga couldn't honestly blame him. It was an abrupt change from two days ago, but then again, it had been a very unusual two days. Helga gave a small smile. It hadn't been Salazar's words that finally convinced her. Slowly, she relaxed her Occlumency barriers enough to allow her own emotions to touch the surface.

Salazar felt the change and immediately opened his mouth to protest, but Helga shook her head.

"Please."

Salazar hesitated. "Helga-"

"I know what I am doing. And I trust you."

Salazar held her gaze for a long moment then nodded. "Very well."

Helga closed her eyes and summoned all the emotions she had experienced during the past few days. Her shock when she discovered he still used Dark magic, the confusion when Godric tried to explain, the growing apprehension as they were unable to bridge the gap between them… Despair when he told her he would leave, fear when Godric returned alone, relief that turned to terror when she saw his blood… And trust. Complete and utter trust as she finally understood exactly what he was capable of.

Salazar jerked back, his mouth open in astonishment.

"You trust me?"

"Did I not just prove that?" Her voice softened. "I do not like the Dark Arts. I do not know if I will ever be able to fully accept them. But I do trust you." She hesitated a moment and looked down. "And I am sorry. I will understand if you still want to leave."

Salazar shook his head furiously. "I never wanted to leave!" His expression turned slightly sheepish. "I'm afraid I let my temper get the better of me."

Hope flared up. "So you will stay?"

Salazar smiled, the first true smile she had seen since all this began. "If you will still have me."

Without even thinking about it, Helga pulled him into a hug. "Always."

"Ah, ribs Helga."

Helga released him immediately. "My apologies." She couldn't keep the smile from spreading across her face though.

Salazar grumbled good-naturedly, but his silver eyes sparkled. "I shall take that as a yes then."

"You had better."

Both Helga and Salazar turned at Godric's call. The flame haired wizard still looked rather pale, but he smiled at the two of them as he crossed the room.

"Were there any problems?" Helga asked.

Godric shook his head. "The place was deserted. I can assure you, we were extremely thorough." He shot a reproachful look at Rowena, who smiled innocently back.

"You wouldn't want to risk leave the neighbours in danger, would you?"

Godric scowled at Salazar. "You've been a bad influence on her." His expression softened as he took in his friend's appearance. "How are you feeling?"

Salazar nodded. "Much improved, thank you."

Rowena smiled. "Excellent. And the other matter…?"

Helga and Salazar looked at each other.

"Also much improved," said Helga softly.

Salazar gave a small smile. "Just as it should be."

Rowena's eyes shone with delight and Godric's smile was like the sun coming out. He clapped Salazar on the shoulder.

"Finally."

Salazar winced. "Thank you."

Godric's expression turned mortified. "My apologies. I didn't realise."

Salazar shook his head. "It is nothing serious."

Godric glanced at Helga and she nodded. "He will have to be careful for a few days, but he will be fine."

"I am right here," Salazar pointed out mildly.

"Indeed you are," Godric agreed. "Which is most fortunate. I believe you and I were going to have a little talk."

Helga had to laugh at the expression on Salazar's face. Everything was indeed just as it should be.

Please let me know what you thought.