The Grey

They didn’t know that it would come to this, these petty arguments about worthless things were just tiring and exhausting for anyone who had witnessed the bickering. The screaming echoed throughout the halls every night, they didn’t stop. If it was quiet for a moment, that just meant that the next few words would be even more painful to bear.

Each night the girls would stand at the end of hall, near the west tower entrance and lurk outside the large area. Each word spoken would tug at their hearts, it was like this all the time so they had gotten pretty used to the noise.

Everything was fine until it all went completely silent. The girls peaked over the corner and saw Godric aiming his sword at Salazar’s bruised throat. Wresting was normal when it came to those two, but drawing blood was far more than normal. It was silent for long enough, the girls have never intervened before because they knew that it would only get worse from there. But this time, this time was different.

Helga gathered up the courage she had never sought to have and took a breath. She started to move her stumpy legs. It wasn’t until a long slim arm covered in royal blue robes would stop her in her tracks.

Rowena stepped in front of Helga, blocking her field of vision from the boys and gave her a stern look. “What is it you think you are doing? Trying to get yourself killed?”

“Move out of my way. I’m only trying to do what is right. If I don’t then it will be our fault if we bury our brothers.” They were not at all related, but all these years if hardship and getting to the point where they are now…that doesn’t mean that anyone has to die. Especially not now, and by the blade of a champion.

“You know I can’t do that. It’s only practical that if someone does die then it is only someone, and not you as well.” Her face is obvious with worry and impatience. Rowena doesn’t want to lose someone so close to her because that someone tried to save another someone from losing their life. It was a never ending cycle of sorrow and guilt.

“Godric!” Salazar yelled as is throat was about to be pierced by the silver tip of the blade. “Don’t kill me brother, I’ll do anything you please!” He pleaded. His face was that of a frightened Hippogriff, but something was telling Godric to freeze in place and not hold back.

“You…you are not my brother.” Godric lowers his weapon and Salazar let out a deep sigh of relief. “And you never were, I want you to leave. Leave and never come back, you are a disgrace to what we call home.” Godric stands to the side, glancing at Salazar’s slouching body every now and then.

“I built this school from the ground up! You do not control me.” His posture lacks and his robes hang down and sway as he slowly but surely makes his way towards Godric.

“It’s either I kill you or you walk. I gave you the choice…now choose Salazar, before I choose for you.” He stands facing the slim body of the guy he almost beheaded.

“You won’t kill me, Godric. Even if you try, we both know you don’t have the malice.” He shadows him as his words strike into Godric’s soul, the sound of Salazar’s voice is as manipulative as ever, hissing like a snake.

Godric starts to tighten all the muscles in his body and clasps onto the handle of his blade. He sneakily draws blood from Salazar’s forearm as a piece of cloth falls like a feather to the ground. Blood glides down his arm like warm water and trickles down to his fingertips. Once the first drop of blood hits stone, Helga forces her way through Rowena’s statue like body.

The four of them rush into the emptiest room in the castle: what is supposed to be for medical care. With only four lanky beds assigned to each corner, and multiple potion vials laying around the side tables. Helga rests Salazar on the ridden bed as Godric glances at the three from across the room. He is pacing back and fourth, always checking that is sword is by his side.

When Helga conjures a spell on a vial to fix up his wound she frowns. It’s only on a very rare occasion to see Helga frowning, but this situation is valid. Someone is hurt and she is allowed to be angry at the person who did harm. She gets her stumpy legs to rush across the room and ends up staring deep into Godric’s soul.

“What is wrong with you? Are you a fool?” She asks without question as she slaps him on the jaw with some bandages.

Godric rolls his eyes in a sassy manner and tries to avoid contact with Helga. "His beliefs...Salazar's opinions do not seem to match up with my own."

She lowers her voice and looks around the room. "He is our brother, he is your brother."

"Let us draw blood and compare, because we totally aren't demented or anything!" He rolls his big brown eyes once more

"It's not like you to do something like that, Godric. That was very...that goes against your morals. Are you sane?" She asks in a soft voice.

He scoffs and tries to sound accomplished. "I've slain foes before, Helga. This isn't any different.

“What is wrong with you! You almost beheaded your best mate and for what, because he is different?” She sounds rather harsh as she tidies her dress.

“He is no different than any snake or snob I’ve encountered. He is just like the muggles, and you know it.” Godric states, trying to get her to side with his words.

“Muggles are unjust people who would burn us at the stake and deem us demons. I’m sure that Salazar wouldn’t burn his blood.”

“I plead you are right, Helga. But that doesn’t mean he won’t burn an innocent muggle-born wizard at the stake.” He exits the Med-bay and leaves Helga completely speechless.

Helga skips over to Rowena and Salazar, no one speaks for a moment.

“Hope you feel better Sal. It might take a few days to really heal, given the ingredients used.” Rowena smiles and gracefully makes her way out the door.

“What did he say? Godric. What did Godric say?” Salazar asks, impatience filling the air.

Helga pats him lightly on his bony shoulder and smiles unsurely. “Feel better, okay.” She leaves the room as Salazar scoffs in disbelief. Was he really that much of a burden?