Ambrosia • TMR

C.23

23| The life before his eyes.

SALAZAR SLYTHERIN WAS a simple man. He had a simple life with a simple future and simpletons as friends. At least, that was how they acted.

Of course, Rowena was the smartest of them all, being able to see through him no matter how sly his words or silver his tongue. It was truly a testament to her intelligence as he could fool even the slimiest of people. Helga was a woman of undying loyalty to her beliefs and friends. If smart couldn't describe her, endearing would be an adept replacement. It was rather impressive for her loyalty to be proved time and time again.

Godric...Was someone who he hated without fail. An annoying thorn in his side that could never take the hint that no, he didn't want to hang out with him as the best of buddies. But unfortunately, he was also someone who he trusted his life with. Proven in the heat of battle and in his darkest moments when he wasn't quite feeling like the Lord of Slytherin.

His friends were silly, goofy, crazy and so many other adjectives but, they were his closest confidants. It was the reason why, after one night of indulgence where everyone was buzzed and their magic contently snaked around the room like a wooly blanket, he confessed to his deepest desire: His want to teach magic to those who weren't quite gifted generous parents or living conditions.

They were all onboard. Cheers spread the room in agreement they were mostly from Godric who had been drunk off his ass and Helga who was genuinely excited for the idea. As expected from her bleeding heart. That night was also the first time the thought to describe this feeling as love had even jumped into his brain. He loved his friends unlike a wife loved a husband but it was something entirely its own.

It was a beautiful feeling that blossomed in his chest like a Wisteria flower and traveled to his toes, leaving behind a warmth like no other. He looks back on that moment a lot, full of melancholy now. During times like this, Salazar has the gall to wonder where everything went wrong.

It started with a suggestion, a proposal, nothing more. They sat within a castle of their own making, gathered around a warm hearth as the winter raged on outside. "Do you think Hogwarts should be open for muggleborns?" It was a sudden question, slipped past his lips in a lapse of judgment. "Of course!" Helga shouted indignantly, brows furrowed and arms across her chest stubbornly. Her face almost dared him to oppose her so much so that he began to question his concerns himself even though they were sound.

"I think knowledge of the wizarding world should be open to all with magical blood. No matter their blood status." Rowena's response came calm but the slight glare in her eyes directed toward him told him more than enough about her true feelings. Just...when did she start looking at him like that? It was almost as if she was seeing without seeing. Something like that was so unlike her, he couldn't help but do a double take.

Godric stayed silent for once, eyes reading the atmosphere. There was a tenseness in the air that was never there before with them. After a moment of deliberation, Godric asked a simple question. It was one that sent him down the road he was on now, trapped in a painting and clinging onto a semblance of hope like a pathetic child. "What do you think, Salazar?" The hall was silent, the only sound coming from the crackling of the multicolor fire.

"I think they shouldn't be allowed. It's just not safe-!" It was like as soon as the first sentence left his mouth, his friends disappeared and strangers sat in their place. The atmosphere was now cold despite the fire. He couldn't begin to understand.

"I see." Godric began but Salazar wondered if he truly did. "We've talked about your animosity toward muggleborns, Salazar." There was a pause and for a second, he could see the stress, sadness, and regret piled on his best friend's face. It weighed down his shoulders like a gargantuan weight, showing in his posture.