6 Chapter 5

August 22nd, 985 - Wizarding Britain

Harry Potter had been asleep for two weeks.

According to Helga, his body was healed and no longer at risk of dying, however the stress and sudden relief was too much and so his magic has put him in a coma. He will wake up when the scars, that his pig of an uncle carved into him, fade completely.

Godric shook these thoughts from his head and tuned into what Rowena was saying to him.

"- thinking that maybe on his off days, either you or Salazar could teach him some games? As young as he is, and being left with such atrocious muggles no less, I'd expect that the poor child hasn't had the chance to play with others!" Rowena went off on a rant, the edges of her ruby lips dipping slightly into a frown. Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she turned to face Godric and saw his puzzled expression, causing her to sigh in exasperation.

"Godric, are you thinking about the boy's coma again?" Godric smiled sheepishly. Tutting, Rowena scolded him lightly. The man had not stopped thinking about Harry's current condition.

Everyday Godric would visit him in the morning (they had moved Harry into the bedroom they'd made for him), chat for a bit although he was unable to respond, leave to do his duties and such, then come back in the evening before bed to say goodnight. To the other four, it seemed to them that Godric had adopted the child already. It was hard not to notice, Godric had a soft spot for children. But their new ward seemed to light a spark in the young man's heart. However the others could not blame him, for they felt the same way. The child, though still asleep, gave off an aura that left the adults wanting to protect, love and cherish him.

"So, what was it you wanted me to do again?" Godric asked, a small smile playing on his lips. Rowena was about to respond when the doors to her study, for that was where the pair were currently located, opened. Both Founders turned to see Helga rushing in, her hair in a mess and her cheeks bright red.

"Row, Ric! Come quick! The boy has awoken!" She gasped out, before all three of the Founders rushed to the room of young Harry Potter.

Meanwhile...

Harry felt like he was floating. He couldn't see anything, couldn't hear anything. But he felt so warm. He wanted to get closer to that warmth. He turned, trying to find some sense of direction in this place he was in. But no matter, for he could feel the warmth encouraging him towards it. He moved further, wanting to get closer and to reach it. He wanted to know what this warmth was, something he's never felt before. Suddenly, he felt a pull and followed the invisible string that tugged at him.

After a few moments, he could hear something. He didn't know what it was, but it was so soft, so quiet, so warm. Quietly, he continued forth. The sound became louder, and it sounded like someone speaking. It was soft, and quiet, but he was sure now. It was a voice! Moving faster, he hurried to reach that voice. This voice, he didn't know who's it was. But he could feel it. The warmth, the comfort, the love and hope sheltered in that voice. He wanted to meet this person. To speak to them, to hear them.

Suddenly, everything felt heavy. He slowed down, his head beginning to ache and his throat beginning to itch. Blinking, he quickly turned and squinted. Curtains... He could see curtains. Blinking again, he turned his head and sat up in shock, the blanket pooling around his waist and his hands on his mouth. His eyes watered, but still he eyed the young man sitting beside the bed he lay in.

Salazar Slytherin watched the boy in front of him. After getting over the initial surprise of him awakening, Salazar analyzed the boy and observed his movements. He seemed frightened, if his trembling hands were anything to go by. Taking a small breath, Salazar smiled softly and held out a cup to the boy's chapped lips.

"Here. I'm sure you must be thirsty, after all you've been asleep for quite a while." At first, the boy didn't move. Then he gave the smallest, most subtle nod of the head, to acknowledge the Founder.

Taking the cup in his small hands, Harry quickly but quietly drank the cool liquid, wiping his mouth with his sleeve when he finished. He cautiously returned the cup into the older male's awaiting hands, fear and hope but also curiosity still shining in his eyes.

"W-where am I? Who... Who are you?" Harry whispered, flinching when the man leaned towards him.

"I'm here to protect you, Harry. I hope you will come to trust me with time. Soon; I will tell you soon about the events that led to you lying in this bed before me. But for now, please get as much rest as possible. You are safe here, Harry. There is no need to fear any longer," Salazar muttered, patting the boy gently on his head.

Confused as he was, Harry took note of the man's actions. How he was careful not to move too fast in case he startled him. How he treated him gently with kindness. How, when he spoke, it sounded full of warmth and comfort.

"As for who I am... My name is Salazar Slytherin. I am a wizard, Harry, much like yourself. The both of us have magic running through our veins, gifted to us by Lady Magick herself. We are her children, born with power that Men could only dream of."

Harry stilled for a moment. He didn't need to think for long, after all he had witnessed it with his very own eyes. He already knew the truth. Smiling softly, Harry peeked up at the man through his lashes.

"Magic... It's real? And I'm a wizard? Like you?" He whispered, still unsure if this man was trustworthy.

Salazar nodded. Holding up his right arm, he made a circle in the air and whispered a charm. The next second, two white doves and a golden deer appeared in miniature form. They bounced around in the air and went to play around Harry. Staring wide-eyed, the boy quickly noticed that the doves seemed to be made of light, and the deer left a trail of golden dust in its wake. He giggled when the deer made itself at home in his hands, licking them affectionately although Harry didn't really feel anything apart from a small tingle. The two doves flew over his head and settled on each of his shoulders, nipping softly at his ears and nuzzling him.

Harry looked back towards the man. Salazar was watching him with a tiny, almost unnoticeable, smile. His eyes shone with pride and mirth, whereas his face looked cold as though it was set in stone. Taking initiative, Harry slowly reached for the man's left palm that rested atop the blankets of his bed. Grasping his hands, Harry Potter looked up into the man's dazzling emerald eyes.

"Thank you for telling me who I am."

The voice of the little boy startled Salazar. It was filled with so much pain and despair, yet also joy and hope. The man looked at the young boy in front of him once more. He'd been through so much, and he was lost. However he seems to have found the path that will lead him back to his lost self.

"Also, I saw you laughing at me," Harry added quickly, pouting slightly. He giggled when the man's hand tightened around his own little fingers, the only sign of the man's shock.

Staring at Harry, Salazar finally took notice of his eyes. Those vibrant, green eyes seemed to sparkle when the light shone on them, but– yes! He realised now. This boy... He holds much power. This is what Salazar began to think. He noticed the way the boy held himself, he seemed frightened (most likely due to his upbringing) however he also seemed confident and happy. As though he knew he belonged here, as though he knew he could finally, truly, be himself. The boy had potential, immense magic and knowledge flowed through this boy's veins and Salazar, without realising, grinned. Just as he was about to speak, the door burst open and the other three Founders rushed in.

Hearing the door slam open caused Harry to shriek and hide himself in Salazar's chest, having leapt out of the bed and into Salazar's lap in fear.

Immediately the adults began to apologise, then seated themselves on the bed and on the chairs next to the bed.

"Harry, sweetie..?" Helga tried, her warm and motherly tone causing Harry to slowly peek at her. Lifting his face further, he stared at the young woman who felt like home. Helga smiled and held out her hand. Harry slipped his petite, pale hand into hers as a greeting, ignoring the twist in his gut at the flowery scent that emanated from her skin.

"My name is Helga, a friend of Salazar's," Helga said softly, before indicating to Rowena who sat beside her on the bed and Godric who sat on the chair next to Salazar. "These are our good friends Godric," said man gave a cheeky little wave, "and Rowena." The raven-haired woman smiled sweetly at him and gave a chaste kiss to his hand.

Coming out of his shell more and more, Harry blushed and replied with a quick "hello."

"Now that introductions are out of the way, how about some nice warm food to fill you up?" Helga tittered, scooping the boy up out of Salazar's arms and placing him in Godric's to carry him as they left the room and made their way to the kitchen. All four friends ignored the way the boy flinched and continued merrily on their way, sticking to the plan they discussed over the two-week period of Harry's coma.

Harry was quickly becoming used to these four people, concerningly so. Even he, a boy of five years, was confused as to why he was so comfortable with them especially after everything he's been through at the hands of adults.

'You have bonded with them, little one. They will care for you, love you, protect you. And in turn, you will love them, care for them, and bring happiness and joy to them.'

A voice in his head startled Harry. However he didn't dwell on it any further, for he knew. He knew that this voice was the one that saved him from the unending space he was in before. This voice, filled with so much warmth – he knew he could trust it.

Smiling contently, Harry snuggled into the crook of Godric's neck as the man carried Harry easily, the arms around his waist tightening just that little bit more when Harry's whispered "thank you" reached his ears.