A Soul Within

Sorry it has taken so long to update. I hope you are not disappointed in the next chapter. Wasn’t really sure on where I was going with the story but I think now I might have some idea, thanks to some reviewers and beta’s.

Speaking of beta’s....I’d like to thank Emerald Solitude for looking over this chapter for me, adding bits and pieces here and there to make it read smoother for you, and giving me that nudge with ideas to help me along with some upcoming chapters. Three beta’s so far for the story....how lucky am I? Lol. Also, special thanks to all those that have been reviewing my story, and patiently waiting for more. Hopefully it won’t take as long for me to give you more.


Chapter Ten


Harry woke up to the feel of fingers combing through his hair. He turned his head, smiling against the palm that cupped his cheek as he opened his eyes. He reached out and slid his hand up the pant-clad thigh, a low groan escaping past his lips as a twinge of discomfort shot up his spine when he shifted onto his back to look up at his lover. “Been a while,” he huskily said when he saw the concern in Salazar’s eyes.

“Had to show you how much you would never disappoint me,” Salazar grinned, sliding his hand across Harry’s naked chest.


Harry smiled thankfully when he felt the healing magic brush over his backside. “Over and over again,” Harry added, raising his upper body to be closer to Salazar who sat on the edge of the bed. He was completely dressed wearing a black pair of pants and a black button up shirt, with the top few buttons casually undone and hanging loose over the pants. “Going somewhere?” Harry asked, leaning forward to close the distance to accept a kiss. “You good?” He asked, worriedly noticing that Salazar had showered with no assistance.

Salazar kissed Harry again then drew back. “Yes, I am fine Harry.” He held up the wooden cane. “I am almost good as new Love. I will be able to keep up with my mate in no time.”

“You keep up just fine,” Harry smirked, reaching up to trace his fingers over the slight love bite on Salazar’s neck.

He gave a sigh of contentment at the tender caress and reached up to link his fingers through Harry’s at his neck, bringing them down to place a gentle kiss on his love’s knuckles. “I thought to visit Rowena; then perhaps go to the village for some of that butterbeer that you have told me about,” Salazar said.

“I am sure she will like to see you after so long,” Harry said. “I will perhaps visit Draco to make arrangements for our little dinner party while you have your visit.”

“You are welcome to join me. I am sure she would like to meet you,” Salazar said.

“And I will meet her . . . another day. You have your visit with your old friend, while I visit with mine,” Harry smiled, shifting back to swing his legs over the side of the bed.”

Salazar gazed hungrily at Harry as his lover stood to his feet, the sheet falling to the floor, revealing all for him to see. “A few more moments won’t matter,” he said, reaching for Harry’s hand.

Harry reached for a robe that hung on the bedpost, slightly shaking his head. “Tempting,” he smirked, seeing the heat flare up in Salazar’s eyes. “So tempting,” Harry added, wrapping his arms around Salazar’s waist when the other stood. Salazar slid his hands down Harry’s back to rest on his backside, slowly pulling him closer. Harry bent his head down, resting his forehead against Salazar’s shoulder for a brief time before he placed a kiss on the side of his neck, before pulling away.

“I will take a raincheck on that very tempting offer,” Harry grinned, pulling the robe closer to hide just how tempting the thought was to him.

Salazar didn’t miss the gesture, and grinned to himself. “I will come and get you when I am done with my visit then.”

Harry looked at the time, seeing that it was fairly early in the morning still. Draco would be in his classroom getting things ready, as was his habit, before he went down to the Great Hall for breakfast. “I will keep a place for you in the Hall incase you finish your visit with Rowena early. Take your time. I can always meet you in Rowena’s rooms if I am done first.”

Salazar readily accepted the lingering kiss that Harry gave him, then watched him walk away towards the door to have his morning shower before he started his day. He reached down and adjusted himself before leaving the room, his cane a steady rhythm as he made his way down the stairs to his common room. He looked around, having only been down here a few times since his awakening, usually with Harry always by his side to assist him when he needed it. He hadn’t been lying to Harry when he said it was getting easier to move around. With the help of the potions and his mate’s support, he was sure he would not need his cane for much longer.

Salazar smiled to himself as he saw all of the small changes throughout his rooms; more books both muggle and magical on the shelves; small framed pictures of Harry’s family and friends on the mantel; and Harry’s treasured broom propped up in the corner. A warmth spread though his heart when he saw a copy of the portrait of Alexander from his chambers sitting on a shelf with the stuffed Dragon proudly propping up some colorful children’s books. He still missed him; he always would, but it was getting easier with the help of Harry’s love.

He was still smiling when he stroked the cold stone wing of the eagle on the wall. The eyes of the eagle opened, revealing golden eyes. Salazar respectively nodded in greeting to the guardian of Rowena’s rooms, only for the majestic bird to nod to him in return. He walked forward, the stone wall a mere image as he walked through the door, while experiencing the welcoming feel of magic brushing against his skin as he moved between the towers through the portal. The passageway opened up into a dimly lit common room, the faint scent of lavender lingered in the room that Rowena was known to favor. The room was exactly like he remembered it from previous times, clean and welcoming. He was not surprised to see the briefest glimpse of a house-elf as it left; leaving a tray with coffee and scones behind, compliments of Harry he was sure.

“Your soul mate is a thoughtful young man, Salazar,” a feminine voice said.

Salazar looked up to see the portrait of his oldest and dearest friend. He nodded in greeting, a warm smile on his face. “The artisan did a fine job on your portrait Roe. You are as beautiful on the canvas as you were in life.”

“You will have no problems keeping your Harry smitten with talk like that,” Rowena laughed. Salazar raised a brow in question. “The portraits talk, as you well may know. Harry is well known and well liked.” She shrugged her silken-clad shoulder. “When Harry was just a babe, his parents brought him here several times as a few of the professors would watch over him while the Potters went on their missions for their Order. Hogwarts had been steadily gaining more magic over the years, which slowly transformed it into its own semi-sentient entity. Only a few, besides its original founders have had the castle’s affection over the years. You may not be able to connect or talk to her, but she is always there to help when it is needed.”

“Apparating,” Salazar mused aloud.

“Yes,” Rowena laughed. “Harry was able to apparate within the walls of Hogwarts, as only the current Headmaster and the few other chosen have been able to. It may have also been your connection with him, through your soul bond, as well as your position as a founder of the school that allowed him to do so.”

Salazar leaned back, raising his one ankle to rest on his knee. “How long?”

“How long?” Rowena repeated, then sighed, leaning her elbow on the arm of her chair. “How long had I known?” Salazar nodded. “I did not need the sight to see how much you were descending into yourself after Alex died. We were all worried for you, regardless of what you may have thought of Godric and Helga when they went against you concerning school issues. I saw you withdraw more and more from us and the others in the castle; only then did I see. I woke up one morn, my heart wanting to break from my chest at what I had seen. I saw you take your own life with your potions, but then I saw the raven-haired beauty wake you with a kiss. I will not apologize for sabotaging your death potion Sal. You are dear to me, and if you had a chance of gaining any happiness after what you had been through then I was going to take any measure to see it come to light.”

“And you saw the potion in this sight of yours?” Salazar asked.

“Well . . . no. I went into your rooms and copied the ingredients,” Rowena replied, smirking. “With the help of Godric and Helga, we added this and that in order to make it a temporary death potion instead of the more permanent one you had thought you had taken; one that only your true love could awaken you from . . . which I did see.”

“What, pray tell, else did you see Roe?” Salazar asked.

Rowena shook her head. “Are you not happy right at this moment? Do you really need, no, want to know what your future holds? “

Salazar leaned forward, leaning his elbows on his knees as he looked up at Rowena. “What is it that you are not telling me Rowena? Is this happiness only for a brief time? I don’t think I can stand to lose another that I love.”

Rowena reached out her hand, then took it back remembering that she was not able to touch. She smiled in reassurance. “Salazar, I very rarely had visions of you after you had left our time. The ones I did have were vague, as if to show that they were not cast in stone. I know that there will be some tribulations for you over the years, but you and Harry will be fine in the end. I do know that you will be very happy together for many years to come.”

“It is truly good to see you my friend,” Salazar smiled.

“It is good to see you with a smile on your face once again. I had missed seeing that in the last few months that you were in our time. I had forgotten how striking you once were in your youth,” she teased.

Salazar mirrored her smile and reached for his cup of tea. “I thank you for your forethought on de-aging me.”

“Well, I couldn’t let you not be able to keep up with your young lover,” she laughed, also reaching for her cup at her side.

“That doesn’t seem to be a problem,” he replied, thinking back to the previous night. “The need I feel for Harry is strong. It is as if I would starve without his touch.”

“A true soul mate bond is strong. William and I were insatiable for months after we wed. We were hard pressed to rein in our affections before the nuptials.”

“Yes, I remember many a times walking in on you two,” Salazar laughed. “Your son? What became of him?”

“Ah . . . Cailean was my lifesaver later in his years. My youngest, Helena, which I birthed a few years after your ‘death’ was a smart witch . . . ”

“Took after her mother,” Salazar interjected.

“Well, yes I suppose she did,” she agreed. “She was more headstrong though. She had completed her schooling here at Hogwarts. Made William and I very proud. She had always been the curious sort, wanting more in life. She wanted to explore the world. William and I were both hesitant, but she was persistent. We had many an argument for months on end. She had left, taking my diadem with her in a show of rebellion, and hid it away in Albania where she was learning of the vampires.”

“She was not bitten was she?”

“I am told she was not. She had become friends with a few of the clansmen and learned a lot. I had become ill shortly after she arrived in Albania, and wanted my family close by my side as I knew my time on this earth was nearing its end. Her fiancé, who she had left here when she went on her adventure, was sent to bring her back. She refused, apparently not wanting to leave a lover in one of the clans. Her fiancé killed her in a fit of rage, then in turn, killed himself in remorse over her death. Even though I had Helena in my life longer than your Alex, I then truly understood your heartache. Helena still resides in Hogwarts, known as the ‘Grey Lady,’ the ghost of Ravenclaw. Her fiancé is better known as the ‘Bloody Baron’, the ghost of Slytherin.”

“And Cailean?” Salazar asked.

“He never left my side. William and Cailean only left Hogwarts with my death. Cailean, I had heard, travelled abroad and started a practice to help heal the minds of the lost souls. Helena’s death affected him greatly.”

“And Helga and Godric? What of them?”

“Helga had left for a month long trip to gather more seeds for her experimenting, and came back with a new beau instead. I had never seen her smile as brightly as when she looked upon Nolan. He had shared her love of cooking. They had one child, Alane. She was a cute babe with blonde curls, and a smile to melt your heart. I never saw her grow to the age where she would have started learning at Hogwarts.”

“Her aunt?”

“She had stayed here as healer, and doted on her niece.” Rowena smiled. “She truly tried to bring my health back to what it once was, but was not able to.”

“And Godric?” Salazar asked, feeling a warmth run through his body. He smiled to himself as he felt Harry near.
“After your ‘death’ he worked with others to implement the charm that waylaid loose tongues on the mundane-born children. There were many mundane children that were given to magic-bearing families over the years. Godric and his wife bore twin boys, as you knew. They both grew to be strong, brave men, aiding in the muggle crusades. They both survived and made Godric proud in the later years.” She paused when she felt someone enter her tower portal. “Hello Harry Potter,” she greeted.

Harry came into the room. The coolness that he had been feeling when he was down in the Great Hall with Draco and Severus warmed the closer that he got to Salazar. He stood at the side of Salazar’s chair, and bowed his head respectively. “Lady Ravenclaw,” he greeted.

Salazar reached his hand out to take Harry’s hand, giving it a slight tug. Harry leaned down to give Salazar a brief kiss on the mouth as he sat on the arm of the chair. “A good visit then?” He asked, combing his fingers through the back of Salazar’s hair, looking up at the portrait of one of the infamous founders.

“It has been a pleasure to once again to talk to my old friend,” Rowena said. “It is good to see him this happy again.”

“I will do my best to keep him that way My Lady,” Harry replied, bowing his head slightly in agreement.

Rowena laughed. “My Lady . . . makes me feel ancient. Call me Rowena please. I am sure we will become close friends . . . well as close as one can get being a portrait I suppose,” she chuckled. “I have watched you well over the years Harry; your many adventures and the mischief that you got into. You do your parents proud.”

“Thank you. I would like to think so.”

Salazar sighed and leaned into Harry’s side, enjoying the feel of Harry carding his fingers through his hair. He had always loved that.

“Did you ask about Tallis?” Harry asked, looking down at Salazar.

“No. We had been talking of the other founders.”

“Tallis,” Rowena gave a small sigh leaning back in her chair. “Your dragon mourned your death. As close as you two were, I am sure he was mourning even before you had taken the potion, having felt your deep loss of your loved ones and yourself. When I had moved you from your Chamber into your tower, he rarely left your side for long periods of time. I had left the door ajar so he was able to move in and out of the tower. He would often look upon the door, hearing a keening noise off in the distance. His baser instincts saved him I think. He could not resist the call to mate, and left to pursue the call. Unfortunately, he was slain by dark wizards. His offspring had left to inhabit a different dragon colony.


It was a pink-cheeked Salazar that walked out of Rowena’s room with a chuckling Harry at his side about an hour later. Rowena had taken great delight in reminiscing about past pranks and the mischief that she and Salazar had gotten into when they were children then into adulthood.

“Come on then Sally, lets get that butterbeer,” Harry laughed, linking his fingers though Salazar’s to tug him down the hallway.

“Please do not use that name Harry. Rowena used to call me that to bother me in our youth. I did not like it then, and I don’t care much for it now.”

“Not even when she charmed the dress onto you?” Harry smirked playfully.

“It was very drafty,” Salazar smiled, not being able to stop it from growing wider at Harry’s playfulness. He stopped in the hallway before opening the doorway to the staircase and gently pushed Harry back against the door. “Perhaps a dress on you then? Easy access and what not,” he teased pressing his body against Harry’s front, reaching a hand in between them to press against Harry’s jean-clad cock.

“Hmm . . . Merlin . . . you . . . ” Harry groaned, as he pushed back against the hand, arching his neck back when Salazar began to nuzzle against his neck.

Salazar nibbled up the side of Harry’s neck and began to trail light kisses on the side of Harry’s face, both moaning in unison when Harry turned his head to greedily accept his new addiction. The kisses grew hungry and needy as they clung to each other. Salazar felt Harry’s hands grip his forearms then his back was pressed against the wall, a thigh pressing against his cock. One of Harry’s hands slid up his neck until the fingers tangled into his hair, sending delicious waves of pleasure spiraling down to his cock. The other hand had slid up the back of his shirt, pulling his lower body closer to Harry’s. A few more thrusts and grinds later and they were soon grasping for breath against each other lips as their orgasms overtook them, shocking them both with the intensity and the quickness of their release.

“What . . . brought . . . that on?” Harry breathlessly asked, leaning his head on Salazar’s shoulder as his arms wrapped around Salazar’s back. “Not that I’m complaining or anything.”

Salazar tightened his hold around Harry’s back, holding him close, leaning in to kiss Harry’s heated temple. “I have this need for you that overwhelms me sometimes. Now that I have tasted you, touched you, been one with you, it is as if I would starve without you.”

“I feel the same,” Harry agreed, kissing the side of Salazar’s neck before looking up into his smoky, grey eyes. “You’re my addiction.”

Salazar gave Harry a soft smile and kissed him on the mouth, letting his lips linger. “I will gladly supply you with whatever you will need,” he grinned.

“Right,” Harry laughed. “Of that I have no doubt.”

*Note: The spouses and children of the founders are my own. The only one that is canon is Helena, Rowena’s daughter and the Bloody Baron.

tbc - hopefully soon