Heart of Darkness, the Tale of a Shakti

Chapter One: Asherah's Mentor

Asherah ran for what seemed like eternity, the darkness and the light blending to become just a flash of color all around her. Finally, she collapsed onto the dirt, tears streaming down her face. All she could hear were the echoes of the screams of the people that her rage engulfed. She could hear the panicked shrieks from the animals . . . she had saved them, had protected them from the flames. But the people . . . the man she had called her uncle . . . they were all dead. And she had been responsible. Myrddin had warned her about her anger and the power that it created and she had let it loose. And the results had been . . . there were no words to describe the horror that was etched in her memory.

And the part that frightened her the most was that she could feel that ball of darkness deep inside of her, crackling with energy. It was hidden for now, but if she let her anger control her again, it would burst forth and she didn't know what she would do if that happened.

She pounded her fist into the ground. WHY?!!! She leaned her forehead on the cool ground, her eyes closed. The trees swayed around her in the breeze, whispering soothing words to her. The breeze caressed her cheek and she lifted her head. It will be alright, child, a whisper on the wind. Asherah smiled softly and then darkness overcame her and she rolled onto her back, sprawled out on the dirt, unconscious.

~*~*~

She was floating in the sea and the sun shone down upon her. She could feel the energies of the sea and the creatures within it. Then she was sinking, going deeper into the watery depths until there was no light . . . fading away into the darkness. This is your soul . . . it is black and cold, a voice whispered to her.

NO! she thought, her eyes opening. She saw a face of a beautiful woman in front of her, the woman's black hair as dark as the midnight sky and a pure white streak running through it. But then the woman's face contorted into a hideous mask of horror and a hand reached for her.

Asherah bolted up, screaming and then, realizing that she was sitting in the middle of the woods, she stopped. It was pouring down rain and she was soaked through. She shivered, encircling her arms around herself, trying to stay warm. The thin tunic was not much use against the chill breeze that swept through the forest.

Knowing that if she didn't find some shelter she could very well die, she looked around and spotted a small cave. Forcing her cold limbs to move, she began crawling towards it and managed to haul herself beneath the overhang. The cave itself was only about two feet deep but it was enough to keep her sheltered from the wind and rain. She curled up into a ball, closing her eyes, and praying that she would survive.

~*~*~

Warmth spread through her body, engulfing her. Asherah felt something encircle her and she hugged it, for it presented security that she had not felt in her entire lifetime. Somehow, this just felt right. Then she blinked open her eyes, slowly adjusting to the light. And in front of her face, she saw a man's. He had jet-black shoulder-length hair and matching eyes, which seemed to pierce her very soul. He was very good-looking and had a strong aura to him. And it was within that aura that she was shielded and that she felt safe.

He smiled warmly and she knew that it was in his arms that she was being held as he walked through the forest. She looked at his clothing; a rich dark-green robe and black clothes beneath. A silver brooch of a snake held the robe together in the front. He must be nobility . . . only they could afford such richly woven clothing. And in colors . . . the most expensive of all.

"You're awake. Good," he said, his voice dripping with an inner strength. "I wasn't sure if you were still alive."

"I - who are you?" she managed.

"My name is Salazar Slytherin and I am a professor at Hogwarts."

"Hogwarts?" Wait . . . wasn't that the magical place that Myrddin was telling me about? The one that I received the letter from? "The school for witches and wizards?"

Salazar nodded, smiling. "Yes. And why, may I ask, are you in the forest alone?"

"I - I got lost."

Salazar nodded. "Then I am glad that I found you, or you surely would have become ill. What is your name?"

"Asherah."

Something flickered in Salazar's eyes but he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked at her, as if trying to determine exactly what it was he saw, or resolving some inner conflict.

"Why were you in the woods?" she asked.

He blinked and then chuckled softly. "I was retrieving some herbs I needed for a potion when I found you."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Back to Hogwarts, of course. You'll be safe there." He paused for a moment, studying her. After a few minutes, he spoke again. "You are a witch . . . yes?"

Asherah nodded. "I got a letter from Hogwarts, but my . . . uncle refused to send me there."

"And so you ran away?"

"I -" The memory of the burning manor flashed before her eyes and she winced. "Something horrible happened and I was the only survivor . . . I'm alone."

"You're not alone."

"What?" she asked, confused.

"I will take care of you."

"Why?"

"Because, Asherah, you are special, whether you know it or not, and I always watch out for those sorts of people."

"I know what I am."

Salazar raised his eyebrows. "You do? And how do you know that?"

"A Seer named Myrddin told me."

A smile crossed his face. "Ah, yes . . . Myrddin . . . you clever fool," he whispered.

"You know her?"

"Her? . . ." He smiled again. "Yes, I suppose she would take on that persona . . . yes, Asherah, I did know Myrddin."

"You're one of the four Founders of Hogwarts . . . right?" Asherah asked, remembering some of the teachings that Myrddin had told her.

Salazar nodded. "Yes, Asherah, and you will be one of our new students."

"Really?" she asked, her sapphire eyes brightening with the prospect of learning more magic. Really? I can really go to Hogwarts???!!!

Salazar laughed. "Yes, my child, you are going."

~*~*~

Salazar looked down at the frail child he held in his arms. She had fallen into an exhausted sleep just as they had reached the edge of the forest and he thought that it was a shame that she couldn't see the magnificent castle laid out before them. A Shakti . . . Godric is going be shocked . . . they were just legend . . .Salazar looked at the child's tiny six-fingered hand that had gripped his shirt as if trying to stay safe from something. Yes, there is no doubt this child is a Shakti. Asherah . . . I never thought I'd see you again . . . and now you're with me again and I will never leave you . . . not of my own choice. I swear, Asherah, you will never be alone again. I don't know who they put you with, but that person is gone and you no longer have to worry.

He looked up as he headed down a corridor and entered the hospital wing where Helga was sitting, preparing everything for their students' arrivals in two days. She looked up when he entered and stood. He took in her blond hair coiled neatly around her head and her light blue robes that fitted nicely around her slightly larger stature.

"Salazar! Who is that?" Helga asked, rushing over, worry on her face. "Oh, the poor dear! Come, come," she said hurriedly, motioning Salazar over to one of the beds.

Salazar set Asherah down on the bed carefully, looking at the child's sleeping face, smiling. "Salazar, what happened?" Helga's voice broke through his thoughts and he blinked, looking at a concerned Helga.

"I found her in the woods. It's Asherah, the girl that those letters weren't reaching?" Helga nodded. "She was running away from something . . ." He looked down at the sleeping child. "I don't know what, though . . . not exactly," he added softly.

Helga nodded. "Well, it's good that you found her, for she would have been in quite a state if you hadn't." Helga bent over and began examining Asherah. She stopped when she reached Asherah's hand and looked at Salazar. "Salazar . . ."

Salazar nodded. "Asherah is a Shakti, Helga. She's very special . . . and special to me as well," Salazar said with a glint of some deep affection in his eyes. "Please, take care of her. I'm going to make up a potion to disguise her hands and ears, for while I doubt many of our students wouldn't treat her any differently, it's just a precaution. The Shakti are supposed to be extinct and I think it's best if her true identity is kept secret."

Helga nodded. "Yes, yes, you're quite right. I'm going to give her a potion that will help her heal if she has anything wrong inside her. Then we must speak with Godric and Rowena. They must know about this."

Salazar nodded, glancing once more at Asherah. "Yes, they do," he agreed.

"Good, now as long as we're clear, shoo," Helga said with a smile as she waved her hands at Salazar, motioning him towards the door. "Once we have the meeting, we'll come back and check on her. You can give her the potion then."

Salazar nodded. "Of course." He chuckled. "Can't I stay?"

"Shoo!" Helga said, but she was chuckling. "Don't be stubborn. Go."

"Yes, ma'am," he said with a slight bow and left, chuckling as he headed down the corridor. Well, Asherah, you are safe now. It's only a matter of time before your talents are brought to the light and I think fate has something very interesting planned for you. But you will be safe . . . you will.

~*~*~

"Well, of course she's staying here!" Godric said, waving his hand around as he looked around at the three other Founders sitting around him. They were in their meeting room, a room compromised of a fireplace, several comfortable chairs, a couch, and a square table in the center. Large gothic windows were situated around the room, letting in the moonlight. Lamps were lit around the room, giving it a soft glow.

Salazar had just finished telling them about Asherah and now they had to discuss exactly what was going to happen.

"It is for her safety that she stays here," Helga said.

The three Founders nodded. "Yes, exactly," Godric said.

"She will join the other students when they arrive in two days," Rowena said, folding her hands on her lap.

Salazar looked at her, his eyes flashing over her long brown hair tied back neatly at the base of her head and her long royal purple robes that seemed to engulf her slender figure as she shifted on the couch. She was nearly as tall as Salazar himself, who was easily the tallest of the four Founders. Godric, with his flaming red hair and brightly colored clothing, was about average height and always seemed to have a large smile plastered on his face. Sometimes, his constant joyfulness rather irritated Salazar, but they were close friends, and they were always irritating one or the other.

Salazar looked at Helga, who was sitting in a chair, watching Godric intently. The shortest of the four Founders, Helga seemed to radiate a sense of peace . . . and Salazar knew that the students placed in Hufflepuff would share the similar traits. As Godric's students would have the sense of bravery and more outspoken nature of Godric. Rowena, having never gone anywhere without having a book within reach, would have the clever and studious students within her house and Salazar . . . well, he would have the ambitious and the cunning, the traits that had served him well and brought him to the point he was at now.

"Now, Salazar," Rowena said and Salazar looked at her. "You said you have a potion to give to Asherah so that she would appear normal?"

"Yes, it's an Amicio Potion and as long as she takes it every month, she will appear as a normal student," Salazar said.

Godric nodded, clasping his hands behind his back and pacing a bit. "That potion sounds good, Salazar."

"Then it's settled," Salazar said, standing.

"Just a minute," Godric said, holding up a hand. Salazar stopped. "Where is she going to stay for the next two days? Not in the hospital wing."

"She'll stay with me," Salazar said simply, as if this was obvious.

"Are you sure that would be . . . wise?" Helga asked and Salazar looked at her, his eyes flashing with anger.

"I'm not going to make the same mistake twice! She'll be safe there. I swore to protect her and I will," Salazar retorted.

"Salazar, no one is blaming you for the girl's death," Godric said, sighing. "Katherine chose to leave on her own accord, against your wishes. It was not your fault."

"Then why won't you let Asherah stay with me?"

"It's not a matter of her staying with you."

"Then what is it?"

"She's an eleven-year old girl," Rowena stated. Salazar spun to face her. "She'd probably be frightened to stay with a man she doesn't know."

"You don't understand, Rowena," Salazar said. "She trusts me. I'm the one who found her, remember?"

"She's fragile."

"I can take care of her!"

"Are you so sure?"

"Please, stop!" Helga said forcefully, standing up and touching Salazar's arm, since she barely came up to his shoulder. Her voice radiated strength, but nothing overbearing. Her voice was calm and steady. "Please, stop bickering. I will take care of Asherah until the students arrive, is that understood?" Salazar moved to speak but she held up a hand. "I need to make sure the potion works and that she stays healthy. She went through quite a traumatic experience, whatever it was, and I want to make sure she's okay. Understand?"

Salazar looked at Helga fiercely for a few moments and then grudgingly nodded. "Fine. I'll make the potion and bring it to the hospital wing tonight."

Helga nodded. "Thank you."

"She'll be fine, Salazar," Godric said, reassuring his good friend. He walked over and clapped Salazar on the shoulder. "Helga's one of the best in the medical field and Asherah will be safe in her hands."

Salazar's eyes flashed darkly but he only nodded. "I'm going to make the potion now." And before anyone could say anything, he strode out of the large room, his robes billowing out behind him.

Helga sighed, looking after Salazar. "His temper is going to get the best of him someday," she said, shaking her head.

"It's Salazar," Godric said with a smile. "He wouldn't be the same without that fiery temper. And besides, he's not that bad all the time . . . .well," he added with a chuckle, "maybe."

Helga smiled and Rowena stood, walking over to the two Founders. "Salazar is just stuck on the past and what happened to Katherine," Rowena said.

"I hope Asherah will be able to help him heal," Helga said softly.

"Oh, don't worry about Salazar," Godric said, smiling. "If there's one thing he does brilliantly, it's take care of himself. He's got more ambition then any of us will ever had; remember, he's the one that instigated a lot of the building of Hogwarts."

"Very true," Rowena agreed, nodding.

They stood in silence for a few moments until Godric clapped his hands together. "Well! Shall we get to dinner? I'm starved."

Helga nodded. "Yes, we'd better eat now. Asherah is sleeping; she'll be like that for quite some time. And I don't know how long it will take Salazar to brew the potion, so we'll just have to wait."

Godric and Rowena nodded and the three friends left the room, heading to the Great Hall for dinner.

~*~*~

After administering the potion, Salazar sat with Asherah in the hospital wing, not moving from her side, despite Helga's urgings to get some sleep. He held her hand in his, his eyes unmoving from her sleeping face. The potion had worked and she no longer had six fingers or tipped ears. She just looked like a normal child.

In the morning, Helga, Godric, and Rowena found him still sitting there, keeping a watchful eye over her. He knew that they were there, but he didn't speak. Asherah, you will become a great witch someday, I know that now, even as I look at you. My dearest daughter . . . I never thought I would ever lay my eyes on you again. Katherine, a young witch who was studying alchemy, was in my care for quite some time, but she could not replace what I lost when you disappeared. You were but a child when you were taken from me . . . so I doubt you even remember who I am. But I hope that you will know eventually, for you mean so much to me. When Katherine had the accident in the potions room, I blamed myself for a very long time. She was like you restored to me while she lived here . . . but now . . . now you are back in my life, and I plan on never leaving you.

Godric stepped up next to Salazar, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Salazar. It is time for a break. You need to eat something and get some sleep. Trust me, nothing will happen to Asherah. I will personally make sure. The students arrive tomorrow and you need to have everything ready."

Salazar nodded. "You're right, Godric. I do have things to do." Reluctantly, Salazar stood and left the hospital wing, heading towards his office.

Godric nodded slightly, looking at the sleeping girl. Yes, Salazar, I know . . . I know that she means so much to you. But although she is your daughter, you need to watch your feelings. They can make you choose the wrong path . . . and she'll need you, Salazar.

"How is she doing?" Godric asked, looking at Helga.

"She's doing well. She should wake up anytime," Helga answered.

"Good," Godric said, nodding. "Well, you watch over her now, Helga. Rowena and I will finish everything for tomorrow."

Helga nodded. "Very well."

"If you need anything, Helga, don't hesitate to ask," Rowena said.

Helga smiled. "Thank you."

"And make sure Salazar doesn't come back and sit here for another long period of time," Godric said with a smile.

"Don't worry, Godric," Helga said, chuckling.

"He's so stubborn," Rowena said with a smile. "But that's what's pulled him through these past few years."

"Well, enough for that," Godric said. "I've got Transfiguration to plan and you have Charms, Rowena. Let us get busy."

Rowena nodded. "Yes, Godric." She and Godric left, leaving Helga alone with Asherah.

Helga smiled, looking at the seemingly innocent child. Salazar's daughter . . . who would have thought? And a Shakti on top of it. Well, Asherah, we shall expect great things from you.

~*~*~

Asherah blinked, opening her eyes slowly, adjusting to the light. When she had opened her eyes fully, she sat up and found that she was in a large room with many white clothed beds and arched windows along the walls, letting in the sunlight. A woman with blond hair dressed in dark blue robes bustled over to her upon seeing her rise, a smile on her face.

"So, you've finally awakened!" the woman said cheerfully. "That's very good."

Asherah looked down and her eyes went wide as she realized she no longer had six fingers. What had happened while she was asleep?

The woman, seeing her confusion, said, "Don't worry, Asherah, Salazar made a potion for you so that you will appear normal. The children are coming soon. You woke up just in time."

"Am I at Hogwarts?" Asherah asked, looking up at the woman.

"Yes."

"Where is Salazar?"

The woman smiled. "You'll see him at the Sorting Ceremony. Now, time to get you dressed and ready."

"Sorting Ceremony?"

"Yes, where you will be placed into the house that you belong."

"Oh." Asherah looked around the room. "Am I in the hospital?"

"The hospital wing, yes. You had to recover from spending that night in the soaking rain. And now you're all better. Come." The woman held out her hand and helped Asherah off the bed. The woman was quite short and Asherah smiled, seeing that she was the same height as the woman.

"And you are?"

"Oh, dear me," the woman said with a laugh. "I'm getting as bad as my mother, forgetting things. My name is Helga Hufflepuff."

"You're one of the Founders, right?"

"Yes."

"Helga! Did she awake?" a voice asked and Asherah turned to see a tall man with flaming red hair, a pale complexion and brightly colored robes standing in the doorway. He held a black pointed hat in his arms. When his eyes met Asherah's, he smiled. "Brilliant! You're awake. Well, let's get going. The students are coming in an hour!"

Helga smiled. "Let's get ready then, shall we?" She handed Asherah a pile of black cloth. "Here are your robes and a Hogwarts tie. Dress in them and when you are finished, I'll take you down to the Great Hall."

Asherah nodded and took the robes, walking over behind a curtain and quickly changed. When she came back out, Helga and Godric were standing there, smiling. A young man had joined them, holding a large satchel.

"Well, Asherah," Godric said with a smile. "We didn't have a chance to take you to get your supplies, so we had them all brought here. All you have left to do is choose your wand."

"But I don't have the money to pay for this," Asherah said, motioning to the pile of books on the bed.

"Not to worry," Helga said. "It's all taken care of. Now Mr. Ollivander here will help you with your wand."

The boy walked up and smiled. "Hello. My name is James. Asherah?"

Asherah nodded. "Yes."

"Well, let's fit you with a wand, shall we? Now, which is your wand arm?"

Asherah looked at him, confused. "What?"

"The hand you write with?"

"Oh . . ." She held out her left arm and James nodded, taking her measurements. Then he began handing her different wands, letting her swish them about to see if anything happened.

Finally, he handed her one of his last wands. "Now, this one is unique, for its unicorn hair, ten inches, and normally, this would be a very flimsy wand, but it is made of oak and this may just work . . . for it has an unusual quality itself."

Asherah, taking the wand, gave it an experimental swish and the curtains near the beds swished back and forth, golden sparks flying out of the tip of her wand. "Brilliant!" James said, smiling. "You have yourself a find wand there, Asherah. Tell me, are you good with animals?"

Asherah nodded. "I have a strong connection to nature."

James nodded. "Yes, that would explain why this wand chose you. For it is made for Charms, and healing magic, but . . . it can perform some pretty strong magic itself as well. And being left-handed, you have the ability to wield that magic."

Asherah smiled. "Really?"

James nodded. "Yes. Congratulations and I hope to see you around Diagon Alley."

"Diagon Alley . . . ." Asherah searched her brain for anything Myrddin had told her . . . and then she remembered it was the place where wizarding folk bought their things. "Ah, yes, I hope to see you too."

James bowed slightly, gathered up the wands, nodded to Godric and Helga and left.

"Well, time for you to go to the Great Hall to meet the other students," Godric said.

"What about my things?" Asherah asked, looking at the books.

"They will be moved to your room once you have been placed in a house." Helga smiled. "Once you've been Sorted and the weekend comes, I'll take you to buy you a familiar, the animal that will stay with you while you are at Hogwarts and the rest of your wizarding life."

Asherah nodded. "Okay."

"Let's go, then," Helga said with a smile and led Asherah out of the hospital wing.

As they walked down the long corridors, Asherah's eyes went wide, taking in the arched ceilings and the torched lined walls. It was amazing, unlike anything she had ever seen before. "This is amazing," Asherah commented.

"Yes, it is quite a site, isn't it?" Helga said. "Wait until you see the Great Hall."

"There's something better than this?"

"Yes," Helga said with a laugh and led Asherah up to two huge oak doors. They swung open and Asherah's mouth dropped open. Instead of a ceiling there was a darkening sky with stars scattered around it. "It's enchanted to look like that," Helga whispered, guiding Asherah down the middle isle between two long tables that stretched from the back of the hall to the front, ending just before a set of three stairs. On the raised portion of the hall sat a long table where she saw a brown-haired woman, Godric, and Salazar already sitting. That must be Rowena, the last of the four Founders.

"Here, you stay here until your name is called," Helga said, motioning to a seat on the bench of one of the tables. Asherah nodded and sat down, looking at the torch lined walls and huge arched windows. Four long tables covered the flagged floor of the hall and the group of students that sat at the tables had to only be about thirty, for they only used up the first few places up on the benches. Behind each of the Founders hung a banner showing the crest of each of their houses. A serpent for Slytherin, a badger for Hufflepuff, a bird for Ravenclaw, and a lion for Gryffindor.

Helga stood, tapping her glass, and the students quieted down, looking at her intently.

"Welcome! Welcome everyone to the first Welcoming Feast of Hogwarts! As you know, this school was just finished and we're proud to open it up to the first class of Hogwarts students. We all hope that you enjoy your years here and learn magic that will get you jobs in the future! And now, to the Sorting Ceremony. Godric Gryffindor is the Head of Gryffindor House, the house for the brave and chivalrous. Rowena Ravenclaw is the Head of Ravenclaw House, the house for the wise and clever. Salazar Slytherin is the Head of Slytherin House, the house for the ambitious and cunning. And finally, myself, Helga Hufflepuff, the Head of Hufflepuff House, the house where the loyal and true lie. Within these houses, you will become like family, helping each other, and doing well will earn you points while breaking any rules will lose you points. At the end of the year, we'll total up the points and award the first House Cup.

"Now, as each of your names are called, you will step forth and stand before us. We will ask you a series of questions and following that, we will discuss which house we believe you should be placed in. Then you will stand before your Head of House to receive your colors. Then you will sit at that table designated with the crest hanging above it. When you reach your rooms tonight, there will be several uniforms laid out for you. So, first," Helga held up a long scroll. "We have Adalcher, Charles!"

Asherah watched as a tall boy with brown hair walked up to the head table and stood before the Founders as they asked him questions. Finally, the boy stepped back and the four Founders discussed. Finally, Godric smiled and raised his goblet. "To Gryffindor House!" he called and Charles walked over in front of him. Godric pulled out his wand and tapped the boy's black robes. Instantly, a line of gold sided with two red stripes formed on the edges of Charles' sleeves and the hem of his robe. He bowed his head and turned. Asherah could see the Gryffindor crest on the front of Charles' robes as he walked forward and sat at the table beneath the Gryffindor banner.

"Azrael, Asherah!"

Asherah swallowed. Oh, my Lord . . . now it's my turn. She took a deep breath and stood, walking up to the front table. Salazar gave her a reassuring smile and instantly she felt better. She looked at the faces of the four Founders.

Helga smiled. "Well, Asherah. Your first question. What does the word family mean to you?"

"Family..." the words left her mouth in a whisper.

"Asherah," Helga whispered to her gently," you don't need to answer. We know how difficult things have been."

Asherah laughed quietly as her eyes finally met those of the Founders. "Family... I do not know the meaning of the word." Her eyes lingered on Salazar Slytherin for a moment before they turned back to Helga's face.

Godric spoke next. "Asherah, would you agree that without disappointment and tragedy we would not be able to grow into the best person possible?

Asherah's mind flashed back. Red filled her vision; she had been stronger, all powerful and had been able to free herself. Strongly and firmly she stated, "Yes."

Rowena spoke. "Do you think it is morally acceptable to steal from somebody you know is a thief?"

Asherah thought about the answer . . . and remembered the life her uncle had stolen from her, not letting her achieve her dreams. And she had taken his life in turn and the thing was . . . she didn't care. She thought he deserved what had happened. "Yes, I do, for that man I called my uncle stole my life."

Salazar looked at Asherah and spoke. "Do you think being able to control yourself is better than being able to control others?"

Asherah answered smoothly. "If you had complete control over yourself and what you were able to do, would you not in turn have complete control over others?"

Salazar smiled and the Founders glanced at each other. Then they faced her again.

Godric spoke. "It is more important to have power and know that you are powerful than it is to use that power?"

"My power stems from magic and it's not something I can just turn off," Asherah stated simply. "And I think it depends on the situation. And if my goal was justified, then I would use power to achieve that goal."

"Do you believe that doing the right thing in the end, no matter how you get there, is right?" Helga asked.

Why are they asking me so many questions?? I feel like an animal for show! But Asherah's firm face did not waver. "The right thing? When the time comes to do the right thing, does anyone ever really have the ability to think that fast, to plan ahead that far? In the real world, you do what you can to survive. So my answer is no, for I did many things, but they ensured my survival."

Salazar spoke next. "What do you prize more? You friends or your own ambitions?

She looked at Salazar with no expression visible on her face. "I don't have any friends. I don't need any friends. And ambition is the only thing that will help me survive."

Rowena spoke. "Do you believe that everyone is essentially equal?"

"No." How can there be equality when there are still people out there that think that they are better than everyone else? She looked at all of them. "Are you finished with me yet? Why don't you just ask me straight out! Isn't that what you're playing at?!" she cried. "Just ask me straight out what happened that day, how many people I-"

"Enough!" Salazar cut her off. "That will be all." Asherah swallowed and stepped back, her hands shaking. I know what happened was awful . . . but it wasn't my fault! I didn't mean to hurt all those people!

She watched as the Founders discussed her answers and then they faced her. She tensed, waiting for the declaration of which house she would be placed in. Swallowing, she looked at their faces, her eyes landing on Salazar, who smiled, raising his cup. "To Slytherin House!" he called and her heart burst with joy. Now, the one person that made her feel comfortable and safe would be her Head and she would be safe within his house.

She walked up to face him and grinned. "Well done," Salazar said, smiling. "I knew you would make my house." He pulled out his wand and tapped her black robes. She watched as a line of silver appeared on the bottoms of her sleeves and the hem of her robe, followed by two dark green stripes on either side. The Slytherin badge appeared on the left side of her robe. She nodded her head and turned, walking down the stairs and over to the Slytherin table, becoming the very first Slytherin to grace Hogwarts.

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