Apparitions

Chapter 2. "You've Got To Be Joking."

Unknown to Hogwarts' inhabitants, their spell casting last night awoke the school's dormant spirit. The spirit of Lady Hogwarts smiled at her student's excitement. She was aware of what the spell would do; she was also mindful of the current headmaster's intention.

Lady Hogwarts couldn't help but agree with the headmaster's wishes; the students should know what could happen if they sided with her former student and what challenges future generations will face. The best example to give would be her most gifted student. 'She is exceptionally connected with her magic, shares the same views as the founders, and lived a life filled with pain and misery due to the war.' This was a truth that deeply saddened the great spirit.

'But, it's okay, the students will change the future. She will not suffer this time; she will get the happiness that she deserves, the life that she, and her brother, were robbed of.' A bright smile returned to Lady Hogwarts's face. With a wave of her hand, she summoned the spirits of the founders.

There was a flash of blinding light, and from within it came Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. They had landed in the room where Dumbledore had found the spell.

Godric was the first to recover from shock, "Not that it isn't nice to see you all again, but what are we doing here?" He looked politely confused, glancing at his fellow founders, waiting for an answer.

Rowena glanced around the room before walking to where Helga and Salazar had appeared, "I'm not entirely sure, but it seems that Lady Hogwarts has summoned us."

"Isn't this the Vault of Mastery? Gosh, how many years has it been since we were here last?" Helga questioned; she had a dreamy look as she returned the hug the raven-haired beauty pulled her into.

It is Salazar who answers her, his voice gruff and a contemplative look on his face, "Far longer than any of us would care to admit."

They all looked at each other, and after a moment of silence, they all laughed. Godric brought him into a warm embrace, reveling in his friend's presence, "It seems you have gained a sense of humor in the afterlife, Sal." His voice filled with joy.

"It took him long enough. I thought he would never get that stick out his ass," Rowena giggled, nudging Helga, who had tried to cover her amusement by burying her face in Rowena's shoulder.

Before Salazar could fire back, a flash of light caught their attention. Lady Hogwarts smiled at the founders, bowing her head slightly once she reached them. "It is a pleasure to see you all again."

"The pleasure is all ours, my lady." Godric planted a kiss on her hand, an elegant smile gracing his face.

Helga and Rowena giggled while Salazar rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but what was the reason you summoned us? Has something happened to the school?"

Salazar's question sobered the rest of the occupants in the room, and each of the founders looked at Lady Hogwarts with bated breath.

Lady Hogwarts smiled sadly, "Nothing has happened, at least not yet."

Helga stepped forward, "What do you mean?" The concern for the school and her students was palpable.

Rowena placed a hand on Helga's shoulder, calming the witch and providing a small amount of comfort, "Let the Lady explain; it might not be something to worry about."

Any comfort Rowena's words brought the three were quickly dashed away at the look on Lady Hogwarts' face. "I am afraid that you are mistaken. There are dark times ahead for us all."

Godric became stern, "What do you mean? What is going to happen to our school?"

"There is a war, started by a former student of ours. He has split our students apart, pinned them against each other, all for his gain, and in time, he will cause the downfall of the wizarding world as we know it." Lady Hogwarts let out a pained sigh before continuing, "He is your descendant, Salazar."