New Beginnings
Epilogue

In the Great Hall of Hogwarts, the new lord Godric Gryffindor, feasted with the inhabitants of his castle. Some had lived their entire lives there, but most were refugees. All were welcome. For years Godric dreaded the thought of ruling at Hogwarts, and had traveled to foreign lands to put off his fate as long as possible. However, rumors of the Dark Horde reached as far away as Athens and brought him back. Upon his arrival home, his father handed over the lordship of the castle so that (as he said) in the case of another siege, a younger and more able man could resist the Horde. Ferdiad did not tell the whole truth, he would not reveal that his death approached. A month after Godric’s return, he drifted into the sleep from which he could not awaken.

To his surprise, Godric discovered that he liked ruling the castle. But he was still a rash man, as heroes often are, and became impatient for the Horde’s arrival. In those days he remembered the first siege of Hogwarts, when two strange warriors alone defended the castle against the attackers.

This night however, he could only think of the food on his plate when a soldier rushed in past the castle guards. He ran to the head table and kneeled before Godric.

“Lord Gryffindor,” he said breathlessly, but in a voice that drew everyone’s attention, “I have important news.”

A smile crept across Godric’s face. “What could be so important as to disturb our evening meal?” he laughed.

The soldier’s stern veneer did not change. “Lord Gryffindor, the Dark Horde has been turned back. The invasion failed.”

Godric was stunned. Gasps, and then cheers, were heard throughout the Great Hall.

“Who did this?” Godric asked anxiously, “What army came to our aid?”

“No army, my Lord,” said the soldier, “It was two women, Rowena of the Glen and Helga Hufflepuff.”

“Are you said saying that two women alone turned back a thousand wizards?” Godric asked incredulously.

“Lord Godric, they are not just two ordinary women, nor are they merely witches,” said a voice. Everyone looked around. And old woman stood up, her head bowed down. “Forgive me for speaking so rudely, my Lord,” she said.

Godric stared at her. He had seen her before, she was a refugee, but he had never actually looked at her.

“Old woman,” he said, “What do you know of these two witches?”

The old woman smiled. “I know a bit, Lord Godric. They have traveled the countryside fighting Dark Wizards. It was they who slew the Manticore of Montrose. They are not mere witches, but powerful sorceresses trained in the ancient magic.”

Godric looked at the old woman. “Who are you?” he asked.

She sat down again. “A poor widow of no account,” she said, “My husband was killed by Muggles in a raid on our home.”

Godric went back to his meal, but throughout the evening he watched the old woman. The food no longer seemed as important.

Early the next morning, before the dawn’s first light, Godric felt something awaken him and compel him to go to the castle gate. There was the old woman from the night before. She wore a dark hooded cloak and carried a traveler’s staff.

“Are you leaving Hogwarts Castle? Have we not been accommodating?” he asked.

The woman turned to him, surprised to see anyone.

“No, Lord Godric,” she said, “You’ve been most kind, and I could not ask for better shelter.”

“Then why are you leaving?” he said.

“I’m an old woman, close to death. I want to die in my home surrounded by my family,” she said. Despite her sad words, there was a smile on her face. “I think I’ve earned my rest.”

Godric smiled back at her. “Indeed you have, Madame. Would you like an escort? Outside these walls, there is no protection.”

The woman took his hand in hers and kissed it. “Thank you, Lord, but I’ll be fine,” she said.

She turned to go.

“Please,” he shouted after her, “What’s your name? I must know.”

She turned around and said proudly, “Kigva. My name is Kigva.”

As she walked into the distance, the woman no longer looked old. For an instant, Godric thought he saw a proud, young warrior maiden garbed in ancient armor. Before she disappeared from sight, a raven flew over her head toward the rising sun.

The End