*Let It Snow* (Alfie)

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

((takes place before the current events and Alfie is still alive))

It was snowing heavily that evening, large white snowflakes covered the roofs and streets in Hogsmeade village. Rowena Ravenclaw was standing in a small bookshop and paying for the books she'd bought. Taking her books and wrapping a shawl tightly around her shoulders Rowena opened the door and walked out. With her gaze focused on the heavy bag in her arms, she started to walk down the narrow long road, before she ran into a man wearing a black winter cloak.

When she collided with the man she dropped the books she was holding. Rowena raised her head with an angry look on her face, which turned into a large sheepish smile when she saw his face and recognized him. "I'm sorry, I... I..." she kept muttering "I'm really sorry."

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie had been walking backwards. He was gauging how quickly the falling snow covered his tracks when he felt someone bump into him. He turned immediately and scowled. "WA-," when he recognized Rowena, he stopped. "Ah. Madam Ravenclaw. I mistook you for an insolent pup. We may have very nearly had a duel." Alfie laughed at his own joke. "Allow me." He bent to collect the books she had dropped. He did not use magic, cautious enough to leave his precious wand veiled in such a public place. "Nevermind, Madam. I shall carry these for you. It was I with my back turned after all. Now where are we off to?" Alfie smiled. He had always been drawn to serving Rowena. He was not sure why. But a more sober voice in the back of his subconcious reminded him that she was quite fetching.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena laughed with him. "Oh, my. Then I'm glad that you decided to take a better look, rather than casting a curse." Rowena was about to bend and pick her books up, but Alfie was faster than her. "Thank you." she said gently with a smile. When he offered to carry her books, Rowena nodded her head in response. "You're such a gentleman, thank you." she started walking down the main road which led to Hogwarts, but she walked really slow, almost as if she wanted to make sure he would follow her. "I am heading back to Hogwarts. Will you accompany me?" Rowena asked and gave him another sweet smile.

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie smiled pleasantly at Rowena. He had initially doubted the ability of the other three founders besides his old, but not good, friend Salazar. A half blood and two women, would not have been Alfie's choices. Alfie had come to respect Godric, if only as a duelist. He still avoided Helga. But Rowena had quickly earned her place as his personal favorite of the four for her quick wit and seemingly infinite knowledge.

"Of course, I will. I had been planning to head that way only a moment ago." Alfie kept stride with Rowena. It had long been Alfie's desire to destroy Gryffindor's reputation, especially with Rowena. "Have you heard from Godric lately? He seems to ignore my owls. I hope he doesn't feel too crowded by it. But the parents are concerned he's too preachy about Muggleborns rights. Could cause some commotion in the coming years."

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

"Then I'm glad we've run into each other.“ Rowena just looked at Alfie, smiling. She enjoyed his company and there was something about his presence, and the way he smiled and looked at her that sent shivers down her spine. Rowena looked away, focusing her eyes on the road ahead, trying to push away rather inappropriate thoughts.

“Godric?” asked Rowena, raising her eyebrows, looking back at Alfie. She knew that Gryffindor never liked Alfie, he actually hated his pureblood prejudice, but ignoring his owls was rather immature. “Godric Gryffindor is a good man, but unfortunately he often reacts without consulting his mind. He defends and protects all creatures, he feels obliged to do so, in a manner of speaking. That is just who he is.” They walked in silence for some time; Rowena didn’t ever realize that she moved closer to Alfie, walking only a couple of inches from him, lost in her thoughts. “It is an amazing feeling, to help a child become a great witch or wizard, especially if they are Muggleborn. Godric is only trying to protect them. Unfortunately there will always be something or someone causing commotion, there is nothing we can do about it.”

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie had lost his attempt already. As he usually did. It was strange, before he had met Rowena there had never been anyone who could equal himself in debate. Much less, defeat him. He silently wondered if that was because of her strengths or his weaknesses. "Indeed. First the half bloods and now the Muggleborn. I wasn't even aware such a being could exist until a few years ago. With no magical parents whatsoever. Utter madness." Alfie had never met people like the founders before. They all were so strangely nice. Save Slytherin he wondered if they were not all a bit delusional. He spoke his mind to Gryffindor alot on this alot. And would to Helga as well, if he ever said more than a few good mornings and good evenings to her. To Rowena he kept himself quiet on the subject.

"The governers had an audience with a cheeky lad trying to start a 'Wizards' Council,' as he called it. He apparently stated one of its main goals as seizing control of the Hogwarts Governers. As well as the Founders down to the very institution itself. Apparently to force the Council's presence onto the magical children. So that they will grow into its influence without needing more than a bit of coercion later in their lives. Some of the governers have actually signed on to aid the takeover." Alfie had not yet decided on the matter himself. He had wanted to consult the Founders before he did so. "He really was a bright lad. Goes to school here, in fact. Nero was his name. Very intelligent. Is he one of yours?"

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena smiled to herself, after noticing Alfie's sudden silence. There weren't many people she could consider her equals, but Alfie was one of them. Rowena maybe had defeated him in their debate, but it didn't seem too important to her, it was only a matter of time before he'd defeat her and that was quite interesting and refreshing.

Rowena just nodded her head at his words. "My parents were a witch and a wizard and all of their friends were wizards too." she said, not trying to force her pureblood heritage, it was just a statement. "I was actually surprised myself, after I found out about the existence of Muggleborn wizards and witches. However, I have to say I find it extraordinary. I wish I knew why and how they got the powers..." Rowena sighed and looked back at Alfie. "Wizarding council?" she asked with a frown "Have you signed on?" she asked, not saying anything about the idea itself. "Nero? Nero Gaunt? No, he's in Slytherin, but he is a rather intelligent boy."

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie winced. He hadn't meant to call any of Slytherin's students intelligent. But the fact did remain that Alfie had thus far seen so many powerful witches and wizards graduate from Salazar's house. Not many came from the others. Alfie was aware that Salazar was a very inspirational warlock. But he had thought for sure that Nero was Rowena's. Although he hadn't admitted it and mocked the boy for his insolence, Nero had outsmarted Alfie at the hearing.

"Ah. Regardless, I was impressed. He showed promise. But lacked discipline. I believe that his idea will thrive. But it will do so without him. It will grow too big for him to control and since you tell me he's from Slytherin's house, i've no doubt he will try to control it himself." Alfie then realized that he had only told Rowena about a fraction of what Nero had proposed. "Indeed. Wizard's Council. A governing body of the wizards of Britain. I hadn't decided yet. I told Nero I wanted to get the Founders opinion. He then revealed to me that he hadn't told you. He replied that you could all be replaced. He said he was already in a position to prevent the rise of a number of different Dark Wizards. Funny enough, the names he provided were folk he was almost directly related to. Included were two of his step brothers and his own mother and father. There were others as well, merely other students though. Imagine that though, a magical ministry."

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

"A promising boy who lacks discipline, that describes him perfectly. Just like it describes nearly every student of Salazar's." Rowena didn't want to insult her colleague, she was only telling the truth. She just sighed, looking at Alfie; she forgot that Alfie had known Salazar for a long time. "Yes, that would probably be the case, the lust for power is hard to suppress, especially for someone so young. The idea is actually interesting, having someone to govern the wizarding world." Rowena had to frown at the words of the founders four being replaceable. "That is foolish! We made this school out of nothing and if one of us left... well, Hogwarts would never be the same again."

Rowena nearly laughed at the mention of Nero's family. "His mother is Morgana Gorlois, I am sure you've heard of her. She owns a shop in Hogsmeade, where, as the rumors say, dark wizards hold secret meetings. I don't know if that is true, but she is a capable potioneer, maybe even more capable than Salazar." Rowena sighed and looked up, it was getting dark. She moved closer to Alfie again, without even realizing it. "The idea is rather interesting, Merlin knows that we could use some rules and guidelines."

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie nodded as Rowena spoke. He finally noticed how close she was to him. Alfie smirked to himself as he shifted Rowena's books to his free arm and put his other arm around her shoulders. "Right. If he really can catch some dark wizards though he'll definately have public opinion." Alfie had to wonder if he had made the list, if there was a more complete list.

"Nevermind that. I'm sure we wont have to worry about a hostile takeover for a few years. What of the school? My uncle dislikes surprises, that is why he sent me here today. To see if any troubles were developing,

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

For a brief moment Rowena thought that Alfie might gently push her away, but she was taken by surprise when he hugged her. She took a deep breath and smiled, his touch made her shiver a bit and she could only hope that she didn't blush. "People might accept his ideas, they'll make him a hero if catches a dark wizard." Rowena shrugged "One can only hope. However, if anything happens, we'll be ready." Rowena looked at Alfie, it was really cold outside, but she felt warm, because of him. "We've got things under control. It's not easy to control young witches and wizards, but we're managing to deal with them somehow. There's no need to worry." she said and smiled.

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie glowered at the thought of calling some brat his Minister. Unlike Rowena, Alfie liked the idea of greater control at Hogwarts. Though he would never tell her that. "That is understandable. Like I proposed before. if you need a Headmaster to help handle the school, I would love to. Of course, I'd be a servant to the Founders, as always." Alfie looked at Rowena then and returned her smile. He had never met anyone like her before. She made him feel like all his scheming didn't matter.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena raised her eyebrows, thinking of his words. "You know, I think I have to agree with you on that. We talked about a Headmaster before, but we couldn't find the right person for the job. Now I think we've found that person." Rowena looked at Alfie, smiling. "I need to have a word to the other founders of course, but you already have my vote." It took Rowena some time before realizing they had almost come to the school gates. "Thank you for helping me, my lord. I know it's late, but... well... I was wondering if you'd be interested do join me for dinner, or a cup of tea at least?" Rowena looked at him, hoping he would accept her invitation.

[Melkor 'Alfie' Valenceus]

Alfie's eyes widened in excitement at Rowena's proposal. "I'd be honored to join you. I was supposed to meet Uncle Fudge for dinner. He will understand, I'm sure. He has plenty of company tonight." Alfie looked at the gates to the Hogwarts Castle. He had originally had doubts about the name and location of the school. But they didn't seem to matter now. "Quite a sight, the castle." Alfie smirked, he had originally found it too grand for a school.

Alfie knew Rowena was a bad influence on his mind. He could think no dark thoughts while with. It was as though she were a Patronus Charm herself. "I hear Hogwarts has the largest collection of house elves in the country." Alfie had always meant to stay for dinner here. Never had gotten around to it.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena's heart skipped a beat when he accepted her proposal. "Thank you, my lord. I'm glad you are willing to dine with me, you can just tell your uncle that I made you stay." Rowena laughed and looked up towards the highest tower. "Indeed. It started as a foolish dream of four children, but it turned into something bigger than all of us. You know, the moving stairs and changing floors were my idea and the Architect who designed the building thought I had lost my mind. He came to like it eventually, just like everyone else." Rowena smiled in a way she hoped was modest. She looked back at Alfie at the mention of house elves. "It was Helga's idea." she said with a nod. "I think we have about a hundred house elves at the moment."

Rowena opened the gate and walked in the courtyard, her dark eyes focused on the windows above. "I think we've missed the dinner at the Great Hall. We can have a dinner in my office, though." she offered with a smile.