(no subject)

[in_the_grass]

You would call yourself one of my students. A Slytherin. For that reason alone, I trust you won't let me down.

I'm well aware that my dear friends may not know me so friendly. I can only guess at the reasons why, but it will not prevent me from acting as I am disposed, which is as their friend. I may not be like Helga, in her admirable steadfastness in all matters, but Salazar Slytherin is loyal to his own.

Fret not about the dialect. It will come.

Comments

[in_the_grass]

[...It is damnably hard to say no to him when he looks like that, like an abandoned puffskein.]

I would sooner give up my home than be complicit in failing my students. Students of all blood will be welcome in my House, but I cannot teach Muggleborns myself knowing they may be dead in months because I did.

[There's a hint of emotion creeping into his voice, because this is what it comes down to: Salazar's got a hard shell, but he doesn't know how long he'd be able to take forming such connection with a student only to see them die. His voice is quieter, almost hollow when he speaks again.]

A girl can be burned for a witch at nine. A boy at ten. How do you bear it? [He has to look up at Godric for that. He doesn't understand how his friends can keep teaching when they lose so many.]

[gryffin]

[ His expression hardens a little at the accusation. He knows of Salazar's heart, of course. While the students may see fit to regard him as cold and dark he is so much more. Softer and wiser in inexplicable ways. ]

You think it does not pain me so? Our students are not grand in number, and I come to know all in my house by name and age and home. They are the children I feel I shall never have, the family I have lost. When the worst comes to pass I feel it like the death of my own heart.

[ Godric is different. Courage, determination, pushing to keep going until things are better and greater - those are his traits, his heart and soul, and he refuses to give up. ]

They could suffer without our education. They cannot control their magic at so young an age and many die without us ever learning their names. [ He turns away, back straight and body tense, eyes hard. ] They come to us and they learn strength and wisdom. They find a safe haven in the warring world, and the means to protect themselves. It has always been that we explain the risks - for you know as well as I what we have all lost due to our magic.

[ He breathes out, looking older, ragged. The years take their toll. ]

I cannot bear it, Salazar. It weighs on my spirit like an anvil. But I will not abandon my courage, my students or my duty. I would rather die as a teacher and a beneficiary than a mindless coward.

[in_the_grass]

Explaining the risks and teaching them to protect themselves does little good when it's their own parents turning them in. [Salazar's voice is a little unsteady with emotion, so he stands up from where he's been sitting, walking away to look out a window. His voice isn't much steadier, but he feels a little better about himself, hiding his face.]

I'm sorry, my friend. I cannot bear it, and I cannot be complicit in it. For that reason alone, we can never make amends.

[gryffin]

You think I am unaware? I may be foolish, Salazar, and fall short where wisdom is important, but I am no idiot. I understand the problems perfectly. [ Brashness leaves him on edge. He swallows, crossing his arms and breathing out slowly. He feels the pain like a fresh wound, each death heavy on his heart. ]

I bear it only because I must. My courage is where respect for my person lies. To falter now would destroy any trust my students have in me.

[in_the_grass]

I'm sure my students are taught well, with or without me.

[gryffin]

You and I both know that there is none that compares with your talent and wisdom.

SALAZAR BEHAVE

[in_the_grass]

[Smug smirk.] If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to seduce me.

GODRIC BEHAVE

[gryffin]

[ He laughs, a deep, quiet little chuckle. ]

You say that as though I would have to try, friend.

they/we are just not even trying not to ship them anymore

[in_the_grass]

As cocky as ever, I see.

it just happens naturally

[gryffin]

[ He shrugs a shoulder, light and pleased. ]

I have no reason to be otherwise.

[in_the_grass]

[Smirking.] We shall see.

[gryffin]

[ He laughs, loud -- he's as boisterous as ever now that their discussion has moved onto happier things. ]

That sounds like a challenge.

[in_the_grass]

Everything sounds like a challenge to you, Godric.

[gryffin]

That is because most times they are.

[in_the_grass]

Or because you are too quick to see a fight when none is meant.

[gryffin]

We live in hard times, my friend. I'd sooner see a fight where there is none than miss the chance to defend myself.

[in_the_grass]

[Hard times. As if that's not exactly the reason he gets driven off. He just glances over his shoulder, silent, then looks back out the window.]

[gryffin]

[ He breathes a sigh, walking and resting a hand on Salazar's shoulder. ]

I understand your view better than you may imagine. But that does not change how things must be done.

[ His hand drops and he wilts a little, eyes closing as he turns tot he window. ]

I cannot express in words how heavy each day without you weighs on my heart. It is most unbearable.

[in_the_grass]

[Salazar doesn't answer for a minute.]

I dread the day. [He doesn't want to be parted from Godric either.]

[gryffin]

[ He closes his eyes, breathing out slowly. ]

I made many mistakes in my time. Letting you leave was the greatest.