Warm sunlight streamed into an office at Hogwarts a thousand years ago.
On the grounds, the laughter of young wizards blended with the crisp birdsong drifting from the Forbidden Forest, composing a cheerful, tranquil melody. Gryffindor held the rim of his teacup in one hand and gazed out the window, seeming to thoroughly enjoy the peace of the moment.
Yet the other three people in the office were each preoccupied with their own thoughts.
Slytherin glanced several times at the contented Gryffindor, hesitation lurking in his lowered gaze.
He knew what Rowena and Helga had gone off to do.
Though those two ladies were meticulous, the secret they sought to conceal could not escape his eyes.
He also understood perfectly why Rowena had chosen to hide the matter.
If Rowena Ravenclaw and Godric Gryffindor came together and had a child, the prominent families of the current wizarding world would certainly erupt.
That would undoubtedly subject the fledgling Hogwarts to a severe trial. By comparison, Rowena's choice was the wiser one.
Although her choice would expose her to criticism and disgrace, it would also make the wizarding world more at ease with Hogwarts.
Only...
Slytherin's brows rose again as he looked at the utterly unsuspecting Godric.
Rowena's choice was profoundly unfair to Godric.
"Do you know what secret Lady Ravenclaw and Lady Hufflepuff are hiding, Amosta?" Dumbledore asked with great interest.
Amosta noticed that Dumbledore had used the word "hiding." Clearly, he had noticed something.
That was hardly surprising. Setting magical power aside, he was the most experienced person in this office when it came to life.
After pondering for several breaths, Amosta said softly, "Helena Ravenclaw."
Dumbledore showed a trace of surprise. "Lady Ravenclaw's child? She will be born during this journey of Lady Ravenclaw and Lady Hufflepuff?"
"In fact,